Definition: Son of man, thy brethren, [even] thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, [are] they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:15. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage that points to a significant shift in God's plan. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has chosen a specific group of people – the men of Israel – to be focused on worshipping Him, and they are being given this land as a special place to do so. It’s about prioritizing the relationship with God above all else. Let's unpack it word by word: “Ezekiel 11:15” : This is the verse itself – a specific passage from the Book of Ezekiel. “Son of man, thy brethren, [even] thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, [are] they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said…” - This part is key. “Son of man” refers to Jesus Christ – the Messiah. The verse says that all the people of Israel are being addressed. The word "brothers" means “kin,” which includes all the men and women who were descendants of Abraham and Isaac, and were associated with the lineage of David. “unto us is this land given in possession.” – This is the core message. God has chosen to give this land – specifically, the land that Israel was promised to inherit – specifically to them. Putting it all together - A Possible Interpretation: The verse essentially says: “Because of the covenant between God and Abraham, and because of the lineage of David, God is giving this land to the people of Israel, with the intention that they should worship Him exclusively.” It’s a statement about focused worship. God wants them to dedicate themselves entirely to Him, prioritizing His presence and relationship with them. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against idolatry (worshiping other gods) and emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law. It’s a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision – a shift from a more diverse kingdom to one defined by God's covenant with Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss its significance in the context of the Old Testament? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?