Definition: But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:18. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of the book! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to avoid following the rules and traditions of the people who lived in Egypt – specifically, the Israelites – after they left the Promised Land. It’s a warning against being too attached to their ways. Let's unpack it word by word: “But I said unto their children…” - This is a gentle reminder from God to the Israelites. “…in the wilderness…” – This refers to the people who wandered and lived in the desert, after they left Egypt. It’s about a time of separation and exile. “…Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers…” - This means don't follow their old ways. They had a lot of rules and traditions – like specific rituals, sacrifices, or even how to dress. “…neither observe their judgments…” - This is about not copying what they did wrong. It’s about resisting the temptations and mistakes of the past. “…nor defile yourselves with their idols:” - This is the most crucial part. “Idols” in this context refers to things – often made of gold or precious metals – that people worshipped, particularly those created by the Egyptians. It’s about avoiding idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. In a nutshell: God is telling the Israelites to turn away from their old ways and focus on following His guidance and worshiping only Him. It's a call for spiritual freedom and separation. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it’s a reminder of the importance of staying true to God's will and avoiding things that lead us astray. It speaks to the dangers of being too attached to our own traditions and easily falling into temptation or idolatry. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific biblical story (like Noah’s Ark)? Give you some context about the time Ezekiel wrote this verse?