Definition: Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed [the blood of] the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time [that their] iniquity [had] an end:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 35:5. It’s a really powerful and serious passage about God's feelings towards Israel during a difficult time. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has been deeply angry with Israel for a long, long time – almost forever – because they were treated unfairly and harmed by the Israelites. He feels this anger to the point where it’s like a burning, and he sees their situation as having finally “ended.” Let's break down each part: “Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred…” - This is a big phrase – "perpetual" means forever . God has always been angry. It wasn’t just a one-time thing; it’s been a consistent feeling of resentment. “…and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel…” - This refers to the Israelites, specifically the group that was enslaved and oppressed during the time of the judges. They were treated harshly – robbed, beaten, and forced into exile. The “blood” here is a symbolic representation of their suffering and pain. “…in the time of their calamity…” - This emphasizes that this anger began long ago, during a time of great hardship. “In the time [that] their iniquity [had] an end?” – This is the crucial part. "Iniquity" means “sin” or “evil deeds.” So, this verse says that God sees Israel’s sins as finally being brought to a close. It’s like a cycle of negativity is ending. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a deeply troubled relationship between God and the Israelites. God feels immense guilt and remorse for the suffering they endured because of their disobedience. It's a statement of profound sorrow and a recognition that this bitterness has finally reached its end. Important Note: This is a very serious passage, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of future judgment. It’s not meant to be taken lightly, but it does highlight God’s love for his people. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore the context of this verse within the larger story of Israel's history? For example, we could talk about: The specific events that led to this anger. What this verse suggests about God’s perspective on sin and repentance.