Definition: But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:13. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s anger and judgment against Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel is Disobeying God: The verse starts with Israel rebelling against God. They weren’t following His rules or laws, and they were acting like they didn't care about Him. They Stopped Following the Rules: Specifically, they stopped doing what God commanded – things like Sabbath rest and obeying His judgments. God is Furious: This rebellion was a big problem for God. He felt deeply hurt and angry that Israel wasn’t respecting His instructions. God Will Punish Them Heavily: God decided he needed to make it very uncomfortable for Israel, so He would use this as a punishment. What Does "If a Man Do, He Shall Live in Them" Mean? This is the core of the verse’s meaning. It's a strange and unsettling metaphor: “A man do”: This refers to any action that breaks God’s rules or disobey His commands. It could be anything – lying, cheating, disrespecting Him, etc. "He shall even live in them" : This means that if someone acts against God's will, they will experience the consequences of their actions. It suggests a consequence that’s not just temporary, but deeply rooted and potentially very painful. “My sabbaths they greatly polluted”: This is key! "Sabbath" refers to the Jewish Sabbath – a day of rest and holiness dedicated to God. The verse says that Israel's rebellion greatly polluted this time for God. It meant they disrupted the peace and joy He established. What Does “I Said, I Would Pour Out My Fury” Mean? God’s Response: God is going to unleash a tremendous amount of punishment on Israel. A Severe Judgment: This isn't just about a little inconvenience; it’s a complete and utter destruction – a "pouring out of my fury." It suggests a very significant and devastating consequence for their disobedience. In Short: Ezekiel 20:13 describes God’s extremely angry response to Israel's rebellion. He is punishing them severely, not just with temporary consequences but with a deep and lasting impact on their lives – essentially, they will face a very difficult and painful reality as a result of their disobedience. Important Note: This passage is complex and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It's often seen as a reminder of the importance of obeying God’s laws and living righteously. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the historical context of this passage?