Definition: Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 25:7. It's a pretty powerful and serious message about judgment and God’s plan. Here’s a simplified explanation: Overall Meaning: This verse describes a severe punishment for sin – specifically, the sins of Israel. It essentially says God is going to completely destroy and ruin the nation of Israel. Let’s look at the parts: “Ezekiel 25:7” : This refers to a specific passage in Ezekiel's prophetic book. It’s a significant part of Ezekiel’s vision – a dramatic vision where God speaks to him and reveals his plan for the future. “Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee…” : This is a commanding phrase. “Behold” means "watch me." God is actively reaching out to Israel with his judgment. He’s using his power to directly affect them. “…and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen;” : This is the core of the punishment. “Deliver thee” means to destroy or ruin something. “For a spoil” suggests that this isn't a gentle correction, but a complete loss – like a damaged animal being sold for little value. The "heathen" refers to non-Israelites (those who don’t follow God). “And I will cut thee off from the people…” : This is a direct action of destruction. God is taking away Israel from their community and place. “…and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee;” : This is a very strong statement – Israel will be destroyed completely . "Perish" means to die completely, and “out of the countries” means they’ll be banished from all places. “And I [am] the LORD.” : This is a crucial part. It emphasizes that this punishment comes directly from God. It’s not a human decision – it's God’s righteous judgment. What’s the message? The verse warns against Israel’s disobedience and rebellion. It speaks of a time when they will: Disobey God: They will reject his laws and commandments. Become enemies: They will become a target for the nations around them, leading to conflict and destruction. Be utterly ruined: Their entire nation will be destroyed, and they will be cast out from their land. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry (worshiping other gods) and rejecting God’s guidance. It’s a serious message about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's law. In short, this passage describes God’s deliberate and complete destruction of Israel as a consequence of their sins. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Compare it to another Bible passage about judgment?