Definition: Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 5:3. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling part of the book. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse describes a very specific and disturbing practice – taking a small number of women and forcing them to be used as… well, as something else. Let’s unpack each part: “Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number…” - This is the key phrase. It's telling you specifically that a small group will be chosen. “…and bind them in thy skirts.” – This is where it gets really strange. The word "skirts" here refers to a kind of garment or covering. The verse implies that these women are being forced into this position, and they're being bound or restrained by this garment. In simpler terms: Imagine a woman is chosen – perhaps for her beauty, her obedience, or something else. This verse says that she’s to be given a small number of people, and then those people are forced to wear a specific kind of covering (like a skirt) as a symbol of their servitude. The Significance & Context: This passage is found in Ezekiel's book, which was written during a time of great upheaval and political instability in the land of Israel. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of resisting temptation. It speaks to: Loss of Freedom: The verse highlights the loss of individual liberty and autonomy for these women, who are essentially being treated as property. Darkness & Corruption: It suggests a period where people were tempted by evil and made choices that led to moral decay. The Importance of Righteousness: The story serves as a reminder of the need to remain steadfast in God’s law and avoid falling into temptation or wickedness. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this passage within its historical context. It’s not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a symbolic representation of a disturbing pattern of behavior. --- Do you want me to: Explain the story behind this verse in more detail? Discuss what it might symbolize in a broader theological context? Give you some examples of how this concept is used in different traditions or stories?