Definition: Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Ezekiel 33:22. It’s a really evocative and symbolic passage about God’s presence and action. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense connection between God and Moses (the person who wrote the text). It says that God was directly involved with him, almost as if He was speaking to him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening…” – This means God was actively present and working during a specific time – likely late afternoon or early evening. It's not just any moment, but one where He felt like He was influencing things. “…before he that was escaped came…” – This is key! "He that was escaped" refers to Moses, who had been fleeing from Pharaoh’s army. It means God was actively intervening before Moses began to escape. “and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning…” – This describes a moment of intense communication and dialogue. God wasn’t just speaking; He was directly engaging with Moses. It felt like He was saying something important or prompting him to do something. “and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.” – This is the most striking part. The Hebrew word “dumb” means “unable to speak” or “mute.” So, God immediately gave Moses the ability to speak – a profound sign of His presence and power. It’s like a sudden burst of communication! What does it mean figuratively? This verse is often interpreted as symbolizing: God’s Active Role: God isn't just passively watching; He's actively participating in our lives. Divine Guidance & Intervention: God is guiding us, speaking to us, and intervening in our lives to help us. A Moment of Revelation: It suggests a moment of profound understanding or revelation that comes from God. Important Note: This passage has been debated for centuries, and different interpretations exist. However, it's generally understood as a powerful expression of God’s presence and the significance of the covenant between God and humanity. --- Resources to explore further: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/33:22](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/33:22) Insights Bible: [https://insightsbiblestore.com/ezekiel-33-22](https://insightsbiblestore.com/ezekiel-33-22) Would you like me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Ezekiel?