Definition: Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Ezekiel 28:18. It's a really vivid and dramatic warning about sin. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse describes a complete and utter destruction of something – likely a people or community – because of their persistent wickedness (sin). It’s not just a punishment, it’s a complete annihilation. Let's unpack the parts: “Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries…” - “Sanctuaries” mean places of worship and reverence. This refers to temples, shrines, or sacred spaces dedicated to God. "Defiled" means corrupted or polluted – essentially, they’ve gone wrong with their devotion. “…by the multitude of thine iniquities…” - “Iniquities” is a big word, but it means sin . This part emphasizes that the people were engaging in serious moral failings – things like dishonesty, violence, pride, and unfaithfulness. It’s not just small mistakes; they were actively breaking God's laws. “…by the iniquity of thy traffick…” - “Traffick” means trade or commerce. So, this refers to their business practices – how they were dealing with money, resources, and relationships. They were engaging in dishonest or harmful dealings. "...therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.” - This is the shocking part! Here’s what's happening: “a fire from the midst of thee”: An enormous, intense fire is being unleashed from within the community. It isn't just a natural fire; it's a divine judgment. “…it shall devour thee…”: This means the fire will completely destroy them. They won’t survive. “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.” – This is a dramatic image. The fire isn't just destroying them physically; it’s making them visible and undeniable to everyone who witnesses their wickedness. It's a public spectacle of God’s judgment. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of utter devastation caused by the consequences of relentless sin. It suggests that if people continue down a path of moral corruption and harmful behavior, God will ultimately bring about his judgment through fire and destruction, making them visible to all who observe their actions. Important Note: This is a very powerful and symbolic passage. It’s often interpreted as a warning against the dangers of pride, greed, and unfaithfulness, but it's also a reminder that God’s justice will ultimately prevail over sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss the potential meaning of “traffick” in the context of the story?