Definition: And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 6:5. It’s a really serious and disturbing passage in the Bible. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse describes a horrific act of desecration – deliberately placing dead bodies before idols. Let's unpack each part: “Ezekiel 6:5” : This tells us who is saying this. Ezekiel was a prophet who was given this vision by God. “And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel…” : This means Ezekiel is going to physically place dead bodies – likely those of Israelites – before their idols. “Carcases” refers to animal carcasses, specifically used for sacrifice in ancient Jewish rituals. “…before their idols.” : This is the key part. It's saying that these bodies will be placed in front of religious idols. The word "idols" here refers to objects made of stone or wood, often representing false gods. “And I will scatter your bones round about your altars.” : This is a very powerful image. “Altars” were places where people would offer sacrifices and prayers. The phrase "scatter your bones around about" suggests that Ezekiel is going to rub or mark the bodies of the Israelites with their bones, essentially making them visible as offerings. What it’s suggesting (and why it's concerning): This verse paints a picture of deep betrayal and spiritual corruption. It implies: Disrespect for God: The act is a direct rejection of God's authority and worship. It shows that the Israelites have become obsessed with idols rather than worshipping Him . Moral Decay: It suggests a loss of faith and moral values, leading to a focus on false gods instead of true devotion. Destruction: The verse speaks of scattering the bones – which is a very strong image suggesting that this act will cause immense suffering and damage to the Israelites. Important Note: This verse is considered one of the most disturbing passages in the Bible, showing a profound level of disrespect towards God and his people. It's often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its historical context (when was it written)? Talk about what this verse might symbolize in terms of human behavior?