Definition: And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for [it is] holy unto the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Ezekiel 48:14. It’s a really important message about God's plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God wants to protect and cherish the land of Judah (and eventually all of Israel) and its resources. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall not sell of it…” – This means God is going to keep this land safe from being bought or sold. It’s a promise of protection. “…neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land:” - "Firstfruits" refers to the best, most valuable crops and resources that God has already blessed. "Exchange" means trading with others, and "alienate" means to separate or exclude someone from something important. So, this verse is saying God will keep these gifts and blessings for himself. “For [it is] holy unto the LORD.” – This is the most crucial part. The land itself is considered sacred and dedicated to God. It’s a gift and privilege given to Him by His covenant with Israel. It’s not meant for human use or profit; it's holy - that means it’s reserved for God and used for His purposes. What does this all mean in a bigger picture? Ezekiel 48 describes God’s plan to make Judah a powerful nation, a kingdom that will be blessed and protected by Him. It’s about establishing a land that will be fertile and produce abundance – a sign of God's sovereignty and his care for His people. It’s a promise of future greatness and a demonstration of God’s faithfulness. In short, it’s a declaration of God’s protection and blessing on the land of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ezekiel 48? Give you some context about what this verse means in the history of Israel?