Definition: And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 9:7. It’s a really unsettling and dramatic verse, and it's often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of wickedness. Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “And he said unto them…” – This establishes that Ezekiel is speaking to a group of people, likely leaders or officials. “…Defile the house…” – This means to ruin, destroy, and desecrate something sacred – a temple, a building, or even a place of worship. It’s about making it worthless and offensive. “…and fill the courts with the slain:” – “Courts” in this context refers to a legal court or a place where justice is administered. “The slain” means the dead. So, this part says that the people should systematically destroy all the dead within the city. “Go ye forth.” - This command is given to them to carry out this destruction. “And they went forth, and slew in the city.” – This is the core of the verse. The people literally marched into the city and began killing people. What it means (simplified): The message of Ezekiel 9:7 isn't about a single act of violence, but rather a warning about the consequences of sin and corruption. It suggests that when people become obsessed with wickedness – greed, pride, hatred, etc. – they can lead to widespread destruction. It’s like saying if you let your heart be filled with evil, it will eventually manifest in destructive ways. Possible Interpretations & Context: Political Corruption: Some scholars believe this verse was a prophetic warning about the rise of political corruption and tyranny in ancient Judah. The rulers were urged to act decisively to stop the spread of wickedness that threatened their power. Moral Decay: It’s often interpreted as a reflection on the moral decline of Israel during the time of Ezekiel. Divine Judgment: The verse is frequently seen as a foreshadowing of God’s judgment upon those who are consumed by sin. Important Note: The interpretation of this verse has been debated for centuries, and it's important to remember that it’s a complex passage with layers of meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse (e.g., its symbolism)?