What is the definition of Ezekiel 28:9? ๐ ๐
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I [am] God? but thou [shalt be] a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this incredibly important verse from Ezekiel 28:9. Itโs a powerful warning about responsibility and consequences. Here's a simple explanation:
The Core Idea:
This passage is essentially saying:
"Donโt make promises you canโt keep."
Itโs a reminder that when we make a promise to someone, we are bound by that promise, even if we are not ๐actually๐ God.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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โEzekiel 28:9โ
: This refers to a prophecy given by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. Itโs a significant moment in the Bible.
๐
โWilt thou yet sayโฆโ
: This is asking a question โ โAre you still willing to make this promise?โ
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โโฆbefore him that slayeth theeโฆโ
: This is the crucial part. It's saying, "If someone tries to kill you, ๐you๐ are bound by your promise to be God."
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โI [am] Godโ
: This is where the paradox comes in. Itโs saying, โYou are ๐not๐ truly God.โ You are a human being, and you have free will โ the ability to choose your actions.
๐
โBut thou [shalt be] a man, and no Godโฆโ
: This reinforces that you're not God. Youโre still accountable to a higher power (God).
What does this mean in practical terms?
It highlights several important points:
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Responsibility:
We are responsible for our actions. We can't just make promises we don't intend to keep.
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Free Will:
Humans have the freedom to choose, and that choice has consequences.
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Humility:
Itโs a reminder to be humble and cautious in our words and deeds.
The Significance & Context
This verse is often interpreted as a warning against:
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Deceit and False Promises:
It cautions against making promises you don't intend to keep.
๐
Taking on Divine Authority:
Itโs about recognizing that you are not God, and therefore cannot be held to the same standards of responsibility.
In short, itโs a timeless reminder that true responsibility comes with being human.
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Do you want me to:
๐ Explain this verse in more detail?
๐ Give you an example of how this principle might apply in everyday life?