Definition: And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 23:47. It’s a very serious and disturbing verse that describes a horrific act of violence against Jewish people. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.” Here’s what it means, broken down: “The company” : This refers to a group of Jewish people who were being persecuted by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II. They were being forced into exile and subjected to severe treatment. “Stone them with stones” : This is a violent act of death. It means they would be killed by throwing rocks at them. This was a brutal method of execution used in ancient times. “Dispatch them with their swords” : This indicates that the king and his officials were actively planning to kill these people, using swords as weapons. “Slay their sons and their daughters” : This is the most horrifying part. It means they would be deliberately murdered, specifically targeting children – boys and girls. This was a clear act of cruelty and child abuse. “Burn up their houses with fire” : They would set their homes ablaze, destroying everything they owned and their lives. The Context & Significance: This verse comes from a vision Ezekiel had while he was in the wilderness. It's a dramatic depiction of the Babylonian army’s brutal campaign against Jerusalem and its people. It highlights: Unjust Violence: It speaks to the extreme cruelty and barbarity that could occur when power is abused and injustice prevails. The Consequences of Oppression: The verse shows how oppressive policies can lead to horrific acts of violence, specifically targeting vulnerable populations. God's Wrath: It’s a reminder that God is actively watching over his people and will punish those who harm them. Important Note: This passage is incredibly disturbing, but it’s important to understand it within its historical context. It serves as a warning about the dangers of hatred, oppression, and violence. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on commonly accepted interpretations of biblical texts. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ezekiel 23? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?