Definition: Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom [brought] from the land of Egypt: so that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 23:27. It’s a really powerful message about letting go of harmful thoughts and behaviors. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: “Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom [brought] from the land of Egypt: so that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Ezekiel 23:27": This is the verse itself – a passage from the book of Ezekiel. It's written by a prophet in ancient times. “Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee…” : This means that God is going to stop allowing you to engage in behaviors that are considered shameful or unseemly towards yourself. Think of it like a persistent habit – God wants to help you break free from it. "Lewdness" refers to things like lust, immoral behavior, or anything that goes against your moral compass. “…and thy whoredom [brought] from the land of Egypt…” : This is where it gets a bit more nuanced. “Whoredom” means engaging in activities that are sinful, selfish, and not aligned with God’s will. "The land of Egypt" represents a place – perhaps a particular time or situation – where you've been dwelling on these thoughts and actions. It's like a "shadow" or an area of your mind that’s causing problems. “So that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more.” : This is the crucial part. God wants to remove you from these things. It's saying: “Stop focusing on these thoughts and actions! Don’t dwell on them, don’t think about them, and don’t let them influence your thoughts or actions anymore." "Remember Egypt" refers to a specific past experience that is causing you distress – perhaps a relationship, a situation, or a feeling. What does this verse teach us? God's Control: It’s a powerful reminder that God has control over our thoughts and behaviors. He doesn’t want us to be enslaved by them. Freedom from Temptation: It encourages us to resist temptation and stay focused on good, righteous things. Moving Forward: It’s not about punishment or judgment; it's about a shift in perspective – moving forward toward a more fulfilling and God-centered life. In essence, this verse is a call for surrender and a promise of liberation from harmful patterns. Important Note: This is a complex passage with symbolic language. It’s often interpreted as a call to repentance and a desire for spiritual renewal. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific situation you're struggling with?