Definition: For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 4:5. It's a pretty important passage about God’s plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying God is setting up a system to punish and guide the sins of Israel. Let’s unpack each part: “Ezekiel 4:5” : This refers to a specific passage in the book of Ezekiel. It's a key section within Ezekiel’s vision about the future. “For I have laid upon thee…” : This means God is giving something to you – specifically, to Israel. He’s placing responsibility and consequences on you. “…the years of their iniquity…” : "Iniquity" is a fancy word that basically means “sin” or “evil deeds.” It refers to the wrongdoings and mistakes of people. “The years” means over a period of time – essentially, for many years. "...according to the number of the days..." : This is where it gets a little tricky. God is giving each person a specific amount of time to sin. He’s assigning a specific number of days to each individual. “Three hundred and ninety days…” : This is the crucial part! God is telling Israel that they will be burdened with this amount of sin for 390 days. It's a defined period. So, putting it all together: God has given Israel a set amount of time to make mistakes – three hundred and ninety days. During those thirty-nine days, the sins of Israel are going to be a significant burden on them. He’s essentially saying that they need to learn to live right and avoid causing harm. What does this mean in practical terms? This verse is a warning about the importance of living right and avoiding sin. It's a reminder that God is watching over Israel and will hold them accountable for their choices. It’s a call to repentance – to change our ways and turn away from wrongdoing. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a time period of intense suffering for the Israelites, but it also has a deeper meaning about God’s judgment and His plan for redemption. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context (when was this passage written)? Compare it to another Bible passage?