Definition: [For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:28. It’s a really interesting passage about God’s plans for Israel and how they react to his presence. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: God is setting up a new city in the land of Israel, and he’s giving it to the Israelites. He’s starting with a massive, sweeping gesture – lifting up his hand to give them the land. As he does this, the Israelites begin to build and cultivate the land. They start making sacrifices – offerings to God – and they also start producing food and drink. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When I had brought them into the land…” : This tells us that God is already in the land, actively shaping it. He’s not just talking about the future; he’s already started the process. “…for [the which I lifted up my hand to give it to them]” : This is a key phrase. God is saying, “I'm actively choosing to give this land to the Israelites.” He’s making a deliberate choice. “Then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees…” : The Israelites are starting to build and expand, and they’re noticing the landscape around them – the hills, the forests, and everything else. It's like they're overwhelmed by the beauty and size of the land. “and offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering…” : They’re starting to build temples and structures, and they’re performing rituals – sacrifices – as a way to show their devotion and acknowledge God’s presence. "Provocation" is a bit tricky - it means something that's not quite right or perfect, like an offering that isn’t fully dedicated. “there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.” : They are producing food and drink – a vital part of life in the new land. "Sweet savour" is a metaphorical phrase suggesting something delicious and abundant. Overall Meaning: The verse describes a period where God is actively establishing his presence in the land, beginning with a grand gesture of giving it to the Israelites. As they begin to build and cultivate the land, their actions – building temples, offering sacrifices, and producing food – are creating a situation where the land becomes prosperous and abundant. Important Context: It’s important to note that this is part of a larger story about God's plan for Israel. The verse sets the stage for further events and challenges as the Israelites grow in their relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or scriptures in the Bible? Give a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?