Definition: Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from the Book of Ezekiel. It’s a really powerful and significant verse! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is completely willing to share His presence with Israel. He’s letting go of his distance and being very open to them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Neither will I hide my face any more from them…” – This means God isn't going to remain distant or hidden from the Israelites. He’s choosing to be near, to communicate with, and to interact with them. It’s a deliberate act of sending His presence. "...for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel…" - This is the really big part. God is releasing a tremendous amount of power and blessing – He's pouring His "spirit" (which represents divine presence, guidance, and strength) down on the people of Israel. Think of it like a flood of divine energy. “ saith the Lord GOD.” - This is a direct quote from God himself. It’s emphasizing that this action is not just a suggestion or a plan; it's a direct act of God, and He is speaking directly to them. So, putting it all together: God is intentionally letting go of His distance and sending His presence down on Israel. He’s so generous in sharing that he’s pouring out a flood of divine power and blessing upon them! It's a moment of intense closeness and connection between God and his people. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a sign of God's love for His people, and it speaks to the idea that He wants a close relationship with them. It’s a reminder that God is active and involved in their lives, even when they might not always understand Him or feel connected to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give an example of how this passage might be interpreted in the context of history or culture? Talk about its significance in a specific biblical story (like the Exodus)?