Definition: He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 6:12. It’s a pretty serious and dramatic warning. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: This passage speaks about God’s wrath and judgment against those who are distant from Him, close to Him, or left alone . It’s essentially saying that God is going to punish those who are not connected to Him. Let's break it down word by word: “Ezekiel 6:12” : This refers to a specific prophecy written in Ezekiel’s book – a vision of God’s judgment on Israel and Judah. “He that is far off shall die of the pestilence…” : This means someone who lives far away from God – perhaps through exile, or simply living in a different place – will die because of sickness (the plague). It's a consequence of being disconnected from God’s protection. “…and he that is near shall fall by the sword…” : This speaks about someone close to God – maybe someone who is actively seeking Him or living a life of righteousness – who is attacked or killed by violence. It suggests a direct, violent reaction to their devotion. “And he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine:” This is the most frightening part. If someone remains alone, isolated, and protected from others, God will punish them with starvation – a severe famine. "...thus will I accomplish my fury upon them." : This emphasizes that God’s anger is about to be unleashed on those who are not connected to Him. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of divine judgment and retribution. It's a warning about the importance of staying close to God, resisting temptation, and living a righteous life – because God will punish those who stray from His path and become isolated or vulnerable. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning. It’s often interpreted as a consequence of disobedience and separation from God, but it also speaks to the ultimate sovereignty and judgment of God. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical passages. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (e.g., when was it written)? Explore different theological perspectives on this message?