Definition: And he spread it before me; and it [was] written within and without: and [there was] written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Ezekiel 2:10. It’s a really interesting and complex verse, and it’s often misinterpreted! Here’s the explanation in plain language: Basically, it means God is deeply saddened by something happening to Israel. Let’s unpack that: “Ezekiel 2:10” : This refers to a specific event described in Ezekiel’s vision. It’s a very dramatic and detailed account of a vision God gave him. “He spread it before me” : God is showing this to Ezekiel, essentially revealing what's happening. He’s not just telling him; he’s showing it to him. “It [was] written within and without” : This is the key part. The verse isn't just a simple statement of what happened; it's also filled with words that express deep sorrow and pain. “Within” means inside, and “without” means outside. It’s like God is writing these feelings inside his mind and outside in the story itself. “There was written therein lamentations, mourning, and woe” : This describes the content of what's being written. It’s a long, detailed account of: Lamentations: A feeling of deep sorrow and grief. Woe: A very serious, painful misfortune or disaster. So, putting it all together, the verse is saying God is profoundly saddened by a terrible event – likely involving the oppression and suffering of the Israelites. It’s not just sadness; it's a deep sense of loss and despair. Important Context: This passage comes after Ezekiel has seen a vision of God’s wrath against Israel. It’s essentially a warning about their impending doom, and God is expressing his sorrow for their choices and their suffering. In short, it's a powerful expression of God’s heartbreak over the problems in Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the significance of this passage within the larger context of Ezekiel’s book?