Definition: And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 8:11. It's a really evocative image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a huge gathering of old, respected men from Israel. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “Ezekiel 8:11”: This is the verse itself. It's coming from a prophecy written by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Jerusalem. “And there stood before them…” – This tells us that these men were gathered near to see something important. “…seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel…” – This is really important! “Ancient” means very old and wise. They’re not just any old group; they're a significant, established part of Israel's history and leadership. “and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan…” – This is the most striking part. “Jaazaniah” was a very important leader in ancient Israel. He’s being singled out. It suggests he’s holding something significant. “…with every man his censer in his hand…” - A censer was a type of incense burner used for religious ceremonies. Having them all holding them shows they're focused and ready. “and a thick cloud of incense went up.” – This is the visual part that really creates a powerful image. Incense is often used to symbolize God’s presence, reverence, and blessing. The “thick cloud” means a huge amount of incense was released into the air – it's like a massive outpouring of devotion. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of a moment where God is speaking to Israel. It suggests: A Special Event: It’s not just a casual gathering; there’s something important happening. Divine Presence: The "thick cloud" of incense points to God’s power and presence being felt. Focus & Reverence: The men with their censers are clearly focused on observing and worshipping God. Why is it significant? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is about to deliver a message or event to Israel. It's a dramatic and symbolic image of a powerful moment in the Bible! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Discuss what it might symbolize in a specific context (like the Old Testament)?