Definition: Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not [this] for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:22. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage that speaks to a serious problem with Israel's worship. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: 1. “Therefore say unto the house of Israel…” – This is God speaking directly to the people of Israel. It’s a formal declaration. 2. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD…” - This establishes that we're talking to the divine being himself. 3. “I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel…” – This is where it gets tricky. God isn’t saying he’s doing this for them. Instead, he’s saying he’s doing it because He sees their behavior as wrong and disrespectful. It's a gentle but firm reprimand. 4. “O house of Israel…” - This is a direct address to the Israelites, reminding them they are the focus of his concern. 5. “Whither ye went?” – This is the crucial part. God is pointing out that they have profaned their holy name. “Profaned” means to desecrate, to corrupt, or to treat something sacred with disrespect. They've been acting in a way that goes against everything God values. So, what does it all mean? Essentially, God is saying: “You have been treating our holy name – our God’s name – as if it were something you can use or take advantage of. You've been disrespectful and irreverent to Him.” Why is this important? This verse highlights a significant problem in Israel's history. They had been neglecting their worship, focusing on earthly things instead of God, and treating the name of God with disrespect. It’s a warning against idolatry (worshiping idols or false gods) and a call for repentance and renewed devotion to God. In short: God is reminding Israel that they have strayed from the right path and are dishonoring his name. He's urging them to return to the proper way of worship. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on its significance within the context of the Old Testament or its connection to other stories? Or would you like a different perspective on this passage?