Definition: Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 43:9. It’s a really important and evocative passage about God’s desire for a relationship with His people. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says God is calling a group of Israelites (and perhaps others) to completely stop their practices of deception and wrongdoing and to live in a state of peace and closeness with Him. It’s a plea for restoration and divine favor. Let's break it down word by word: “Now let them put away their whoredom…” – "Whoredom" is a tricky word, but it means something like lying, deceit, false promises, or activities that are not based on God’s truth. It's about actions that aren’t aligned with His will and goodness. So, these people need to stop engaging in those kinds of things. "...and the carcases of their kings..." – This refers to the temples and palaces of rulers. The idea is that these leaders are being used as tools for evil and deception. They’re setting up a system based on dishonesty. "...far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever." – This is the crucial part. God is saying He will live with them, permanently , in a state of peace and closeness. “Dwell” means to reside, to be present, to have a lasting presence. "For ever" emphasizes this commitment and permanence. What’s it really about? This verse speaks to a deeper truth: God is setting up a covenant (a promise) with His people, and that covenant involves peace, closeness, and faithfulness . It's about a relationship where God isn't just observing them, but actively participating in their lives, offering protection, and guiding them. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a call to repentance and a shift in focus. It’s not just about stopping specific actions; it’s about changing the way they live – moving away from dishonesty, deceit, and power struggles. It's a promise of God's ultimate favor and a return to a relationship with Him. In short: This verse is a powerful statement about God’s desire for a restored relationship with His people, marked by peace, closeness, and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or theme from the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for us today in our own lives?