Definition: And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from the Book of Ezekiel. It's a really striking and thought-provoking verse. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it Means – The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if you disobey God’s laws completely and act in ways that are contrary to His will, you won’t just live in those laws; you'll actually be consumed by them. It’s a warning about the consequences of straying from righteousness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I gave them my statutes…” – This refers to God’s commandments and rules, the laws He has established for humanity. Think of them as the guidelines for how we should live our lives. “…and shewed them my judgments…” – God is showing Ezekiel (and us) what He sees as wrong or harmful in the world. These judgments are serious – they’re not just minor offenses; they're things that damage God's plan and create chaos. “Which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them.” – This is the crucial part. It’s saying that if you commit a transgression against God’s laws, you will literally be trapped by those laws. You won't just experience the consequences; you'll become completely bound to them. What does “even live in them” mean? It means you'll be consumed by your own actions and choices. It suggests a kind of spiritual entrapment, where you are perpetually drawn back to the things that go against God’s will. You won't simply experience the punishment; you'll become part of the law itself. Important Context - The Story Behind the Verse: This verse is found in Ezekiel’s visions and prophecies. It’s a warning about the dangers of idolatry (worshiping idols instead of God). Ezekiel was given a vision that showed him how the Israelites were neglecting their relationship with God and were living according to false gods. This verse is a direct consequence of this neglect. In short, it's a powerful statement about the importance of obedience and staying true to God’s will. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered as one perspective among many. Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Offer some related Bible verses or stories?