Definition: Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 9:6. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s judgment and a plan for restoration. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very intense cleansing and purification process, overseen by God. It’s essentially a very forceful removal of people – particularly women and children – from a place of shame and corruption. It's about making things right with God. Let’s look at the details: “Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women:” This is the core of the action. God is saying to destroy everything that is considered flawed or corrupt – people who are old, young, young girls, and even babies. The word "slay" suggests a powerful act of destruction. “But come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark:” This is crucial. The verse introduces a mark . It’s not a physical mark like a tattoo, but something symbolic – it’s a “mark” that represents something wrong or a transgression. The word "mark" here hints at a hidden, perhaps spiritual, problem. “And begin at my sanctuary:” This is where the action becomes very serious. God is setting up a place of safety and refuge – a "sanctuary." It’s like a special space where he will oversee this cleansing. “Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.” This part adds a layer of historical context and emphasizes the purpose of this cleansing. The verse continues to describe the removal of people, but now it's focusing on those who were before the original structure or home – implying that these people had been involved in something terrible or harmful. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This passage is part of a larger story in Ezekiel’s visions and books. It speaks to God’s desire to purify Israel and make it worthy of his presence. Here are some possible interpretations: Corruption and Sin: The verse suggests that humanity has been corrupted by sin, and God wants to remove those who represent this corruption. Restoration & Cleansing: It's a symbolic act of cleansing and restoration. God is setting things right – removing the impurities and starting over. A Time of Judgment: The verse suggests that there’s a period of judgment and purification coming to Israel, where those who have been flawed will be removed. Important Note: This is a complex passage with several layers of meaning. It's often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God’s forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of Ezekiel 9:6? Explore different interpretations of the verse's meaning?