Definition: And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:11. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about God’s plan for His people! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I want to build a strong and thriving community with you, and I’m going to help you grow and prosper far beyond where you started.” Let’s unpack the parts: “Ezekiel 36:11…” : This is the verse itself. It's from a prophecy (a vision or prediction) given by God to Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. “And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit:” This means God wants to create a lot of people – both men and animals. "Multiply" suggests growth and abundance. “Increase” speaks to expanding the community. “Bring fruit” is a metaphor for thriving, flourishing, and producing good things. “And I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings:” This is the most crucial part. "Settle" means to establish or put someone/something in a stable place. God wants to establish you – to provide for you, protect you, and give you a good life. “After your old estates” refers to the way you started (perhaps with a small group of people). “Do better than at your beginnings” means he’s going to make things significantly better than what you had before. He's offering you a chance for greater prosperity and fulfillment. “Ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.” This is a declaration of God’s authority and ownership over this new community. It emphasizes that he is the one in charge and guiding their development. In essence, it's a promise of blessing and abundance for the people of Israel. God is offering them a chance to flourish, grow stronger, and experience a life filled with good things – all under his guidance and protection. What’s the overall message? It highlights God’s love, provision, and desire for His people to prosper. It's a powerful message of hope and assurance! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?