Definition: And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 4:13. It's a really significant and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible, and it speaks about a challenging situation for Jewish people at the time. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: God is telling Israel that they must allow Gentiles (non-Jewish people) to eat from their tables. This is a very direct command, and it's meant to be a serious warning about a potential crisis. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 4:13” : This refers to a prophecy given by God to Ezekiel, the prophet of Ezekiel, in the book of Ezekiel. It's a passage that’s been interpreted in different ways throughout history. “And the LORD said…” : This establishes the context – God is speaking and issuing instructions. “…Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles…” : This is the main point. "Defiled bread" means bread that has been contaminated with something unclean or unholy. It’s a reference to practices like ritual impurity (which was very important in Jewish law). “Among the Gentiles” means they will be allowed to eat it outside of Jewish communities and traditions. “…whither I will drive them.” : This is the crucial part that makes it so alarming. God intends to force this restriction on Israel. He’s going to “drive” them away – meaning to push them out of their land and community. What's the Big Picture? This verse highlights a period of intense tension in Jewish history. It speaks about: Growing influence of Greek culture: The Romans were conquering territories, and Greek culture was becoming increasingly prominent. Fear of impurity: Some Jewish leaders feared that Gentiles would become too strong or disruptive, so they sought ways to protect their traditions and way of life. God’s judgment: The verse suggests a sense of God’s displeasure with Israel's actions and a possible consequence for their disobedience. Important Note: This is a complex verse with historical and theological significance. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the Bible actually encourages this policy, but it reflects a serious concern about the potential for Jewish identity to be undermined by outside influences. In short, Ezekiel 4:13 warns Israel of a potentially devastating consequence if they don't accept a radical change – allowing Gentiles to eat from their tables. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this verse? Explore some potential interpretations or debates about its meaning?