Definition: But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 20:8. It’s a really powerful and dramatic verse that describes God’s judgment against a nation. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is incredibly angry with a specific people – the Israelites – and he’s going to unleash a terrible punishment upon them. He's not just annoyed; he’s actively planning to punish them severely. Let’s unpack it word by word: “But they rebelled against me…” : This means the Israelites refused to listen to God’s instructions and disobeyed him. They were defiant and acted independently. “…and would not hearken unto me?” : "Hearken" means to pay attention to and obey. They weren't listening to God’s guidance, even when He tried to speak to them. “They did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes…” : This is a crucial part. "Abominations" refers to things that are considered deeply wrong or evil – often idolatry (worshiping other gods), immoral behavior, and practices that go against God’s law. The verse says they didn't completely abandon these things. It suggests some people were still engaging in them, even if they weren’t actively worshipping anything else. “…nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt?” : This is a bit more complex. "Idols" refer to images or symbols that were created for worship – often representing false gods. The verse suggests they didn't completely reject these representations of power and authority. They weren’t throwing them away entirely, just not actively worshipping them. “Then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them…” : This is the most dramatic part – God declares that he will unleash a terrible punishment. "Fury" means intense anger and wrath. He's going to take a very harsh and destructive action. “…to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.” : This tells us where this anger will be directed. God’s anger is focused on the land of Egypt – it’s where they were living, and where he’s decided to punish them. He intends to use this land as a place of devastation. What's the overall message? This passage highlights God's absolute sovereignty and his power to execute justice. It’s a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God. It suggests that God is ultimately in control, and he won’t tolerate opposition. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Israel’s fall into idolatry and their eventual exile from the land. However, it's important to remember it’s also a powerful expression of God’s wrath. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used (like the "fury")?