Definition: And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken [it].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 30:12. It’s a pretty serious and dramatic statement about God’s plan for the world. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is going to actively destroy the land and its resources. He’s deliberately setting things in motion that will cause harm and waste. He intends to use this as a punishment for the wickedness of people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I will make the rivers dry…” – This means God is going to stop the flow of water, likely causing floods or droughts. Rivers are vital for life and agriculture, so this is a significant disruption. “…and sell the land into the hand of the wicked:” – This is the core of the verse. He’s saying he’ll deliberately take the land and turn it into a place where only those who are evil and selfish will thrive. It's not just about a natural disaster; it’s about actively taking away what belongs to the people. “And I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers:” – This is a key point. God intends for the land to become barren and unproductive. The “hand of strangers” refers to foreigners or those who are not truly of this place. He wants to use this land as a symbol of the destructive nature of sin and foreign influence. “I the LORD have spoken [it].” – This is a powerful statement. It’s God speaking directly about his intention, making it clear that this action is part of his will. What's the message? The verse paints a picture of divine judgment and a deliberate shift away from righteousness. It suggests that God’s judgment isn't just about natural disasters; it's about actively punishing those who have turned away from him and are causing harm to others. It’s a warning about the consequences of wickedness and a demonstration of God's power. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future, but it also speaks to the ongoing battle between good and evil within humanity. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Ezekiel 30:12 in the larger story of the Bible? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used (like the rivers drying and the land being wasted)?