Definition: And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 3:11. It’s a pretty important message about God’s care for his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling someone to go and tell the Israelites (the Jewish people) that He wants them to return to their homes and rebuild their lives. He's also warning them that if they don't listen, he will be very serious. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And go, get thee to them of the captivity…” : This is a bit tricky. “Captivity” means being away from their home or land – perhaps imprisoned or under a difficult situation. God is saying that the Israelites are away from their homes and are in a state of distress. “…unto the children of thy people…” : This refers to the Jewish people, specifically those who live in the region of Egypt (which was under Egyptian rule at this time). It's about restoring them to their rightful place. “and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;” : God is speaking directly to them. He’s telling them what he says – a direct message from Him. “Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear?” : This is the crucial part! God is asking if they will listen to him and return home. “Forbear” means stop or halt. It's a plea for their obedience. In short, God wants the Israelites back in their homes, but he’s also warning them that if they don’t listen to Him, He will have serious consequences. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a long history of hardship and oppression experienced by the Israelites. It's a reminder that God cares deeply about his people and wants them to be happy and safe in their homeland. It’s a message of hope – even when things are difficult, God remains with them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 3? Talk about the context of this verse within the larger story of the Bible?