Definition: And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 7:21. It’s a really powerful image and has some serious implications about judgment and God’s plan. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is actively punishing people for their wickedness and sin. He's choosing to let something (the "it" in the verse) be used as a source of punishment, and he intends it to be completely ruined and corrupted. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I will give it into the hands of the strangers…” – This means that this thing isn't coming from God himself. It’s being given away to someone else , a foreign power or force. Think of it like a lost toy – it’s not yours anymore, and it’s falling into the hands of someone else. “…for a prey…” – This is a harsh word for “victim” or “target.” It means that this thing will be used as a source of suffering or destruction. "...and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil;” - “Spoil” here refers to a significant amount of damage, perhaps even destruction. The "wicked of the earth" – that’s a broad term referring to people who are actively causing harm and rebellion against God – will be the ones to suffer the most from this punishment. "...and they shall pollute it.” - This is the crucial part. “Pollute” means to make something dirty or corrupted. This thing (the “it”) will be used up, damaged, and made unusable. It won't be good anymore – it will be tainted by evil and wickedness. What does this verse mean in a big picture sense? Judgment: This is a clear message of God’s judgment on humanity. He isn’t just punishing individuals; he’s punishing the entire world for its moral failings. God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God has complete control over events and will intervene to correct wrongdoing. He's not passive; he's actively choosing to punish those who refuse to turn back. Hope for Redemption (potentially): While this verse describes a terrible outcome, it also suggests that there is still hope for redemption. Even though the thing being used for punishment will be ruined, God’s judgment can ultimately lead to purification and restoration. Important Note: The context of Ezekiel 7:21 is within a larger story about Israel's exile and God's plan to punish them for their idolatry and rebellion. It’s a sobering reminder that sin always has consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Provide a biblical context (like a brief summary of Ezekiel’s story)?