Definition: In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 6:6. It’s a pretty serious warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping false gods instead of God. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: "In all your dwelling places (meaning where you live and reside), the cities will be destroyed, and the high places (which are important places for worship) will become desolate. That’s because your altars (the places where people offer sacrifices to God) will be ruined, your idols (representations of God) will be broken, and your images (things that represent God or divine figures) will be cut down. And finally, all your works – everything you build and create – will be destroyed." Let’s unpack it a bit: “In all your dwelling places…” : This means everywhere you live – your homes, workplaces, etc. It’s not just one place but the entire area where you are. “…the cities shall be laid waste…” : This speaks of destruction and ruin on a large scale. Think of it as a massive, complete devastation. “…and the high places shall be desolate…” : High places are important areas for worship and devotion. These places will become empty and abandoned. “That your altars may be laid waste and made desolate…” : Altars are shrines or spaces dedicated to God. This means they'll be destroyed – a physical act of disrespect and abandonment. “…and your idols may be broken and cease…” : This is the core message. It refers to the worship of false gods - things that aren’t real, don’t represent God, and aren’t true sources of guidance or salvation. The idea is that these idols will simply disappear – stop being worshipped. “…and your images may be cut down…” : Images (like statues or carvings) are also important in religious practices. These will be destroyed as a symbol of disrespect. “…and your works may be abolished.” : This means that everything you create, build, and do – all human endeavors – will be considered false and worthless. It’s a judgment on the things we put our faith in. The bigger picture: Ezekiel 6:6 is a warning against idolatry - worshipping anything other than God. It’s a call to return to the true God and focus on worshiping Him – not idols or false promises. The verse highlights that if we stray from our devotion to God, everything we create will be lost. In short: This is a powerful message about the importance of genuine faith and avoiding things that don't connect with the truth of God. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (when it was written)? Connect it to other biblical teachings about worship?