Definition: Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:2. It's a really important and complex message about God’s perspective on humanity. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people – we call them “rebels” – who are deliberately ignoring God’s guidance and purpose. It’s saying they're aware of what’s right, but they aren’t listening to it or following it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 12:2” : This refers to a specific vision in Ezekiel, a prophet who saw God’s plan for the Jewish people. “Son of man” : This is a title given to God within the biblical text. It's not about a literal son of Man – it symbolizes God’s perspective as the ultimate judge and guide. “Thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house…” : This is where the core message lies. “Rebellious house” refers to a group of people who are actively defying God . It suggests they're not just being slightly off-course; they’re actively rejecting His will and direction. “which have eyes to see, and see not…” : This is the key part. "Eyes to see" means they are aware of what’s wrong – they recognize that their actions are hurting God and others. But they don't listen . They aren't paying attention to the signs or the consequences of their choices. “they have ears to hear, and hear not” : This is about hearing the message of God. “Hear not” means they’re deaf to His voice, He speaks through various ways – through prophets, laws, and the overall direction of the nation. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? Ezekiel is saying that these rebellious people are blinded by their own self-centeredness and unwillingness to listen to God's guidance. They’re so focused on their own desires and ambitions that they completely ignore the truth and the purpose of their existence. Why is this important? This verse highlights a crucial point: God’s plan for humanity isn’t about us being perfect; it’s about following His guidance. It's a warning against pride, disobedience, and turning away from what's right. It’s about recognizing that we need God's help to live a righteous life. In short, Ezekiel 12:2 warns of a group who are deliberately ignoring God's message and are actively rejecting His will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or event? Provide a simple analogy to help understand the concept?

Definition: And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Ezekiel 12:20. It's a really significant statement about God’s judgment and His plan for things to happen. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse basically says that God is going to punish those who are living in cities – specifically, those who are wicked or rebellious – and he’s going to make it completely desolate and empty. He's saying this as a consequence of their sins. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 12:20” : This is the specific verse we’re talking about. It’s from a prophecy written by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. “And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste…” : This part describes a massive destruction. It's not just a little bit of damage; it’s going to completely destroy entire cities – towns, villages, and even large settlements. Think of it like a huge earthquake or firestorm. “…and the land shall be desolate…” : The cities are being destroyed, which means the land itself will be barren – empty and lifeless. There won’t be any crops, no animals to graze, no people to live on. It'll be a wasteland. “Ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.” : This is the most important part. God is directly revealing Himself in this judgment. He is the one who is causing all of this. What does it mean practically? This verse isn’t about God being angry at us as individuals. It's a consequence of our choices and actions – specifically, our turning away from Him and living in wickedness. It’s a judgment for the whole nation, or perhaps even for all humanity, because we are all subject to His justice. Important Context (Briefly): Ezekiel 12:20 is part of a larger prophecy about God's wrath and judgment on Israel. The book was written in response to Israel’s rebellion against God. It speaks of God’s plan to punish those who disobey Him, and this verse highlights the severity of that punishment. In short, it's a warning from God – a promise of destruction for those who choose to live in sin and rebellion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give some examples of what "cities" could represent (e.g., nations)? Discuss the significance of Ezekiel’s prophecy?

Definition: And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short verse from Ezekiel 12:21. It's a really significant and dramatic statement about God’s communication with him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is speaking to him (Ezekiel) through a vision – a dream or a picture – that tells him something important. It’s like he's sending a message directly to him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the word of the LORD came unto me…” This means God is speaking – sending messages – to him. “The word of the Lord” refers to His divine communication, which encompasses everything He wants to share with us. “…saying,” This simply indicates that God is beginning to communicate. It's the start of a conversation. What’s the message? The verse doesn't tell exactly what the message is. That's part of what makes it so impactful! However, the context suggests it's about judgment and consequences. Here’s how we can understand that: “It” refers to something bad happening: The "it" in this verse is often interpreted as a consequence for the people of Israel. It points to a specific act of wickedness or disobedience. “Saying” implies a warning or an announcement: God is informing him about what will happen – that there will be terrible consequences for their actions. In short, it’s a message of impending doom delivered by God. Important Note: This verse is often used to highlight the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance (turning away from wickedness). It's a powerful reminder of God’s judgment. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context of Ezekiel 12:21? Explain what “the word of the Lord” could mean in general?

Definition: Son of man, what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:22. It's a really important and complex passage with layers of meaning, so we’ll go through it step by step. Here’s the gist: This verse is talking about a group of people in Israel who were being misled and living in fear. It's essentially saying they were focused on fear rather than God’s truth . Let’s unpack it: “Ezekiel 12:22” : This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision – a dramatic scene where God shows him a lot of things. “Son of man” : This is a title given to an angel in the Bible, and it's important to note this verse isn't directly about Jesus. It refers to a person who is connected to God and speaks with authority. “…what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel…” : This is the core of the question. The speaker is asking what specific proverb (a saying or rule) they’re talking about within the Jewish people. "...saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?" : This is where it gets tricky. It means that these people were clinging to a belief that the future was long and that their visions – which are supposed to give them guidance – would fail. They were focusing on fear rather than trusting in God’s plan. “Prolonged” suggests a long time, and “every vision faileth” means they were losing sight of what truly mattered. In simpler terms: The verse is saying that these people were so worried about the future that they stopped believing in God's guidance and started focusing on fear. They were letting their anxieties overshadow true faith and wisdom. What’s the bigger picture? This story is a warning about the dangers of: Fear: Excessive fear can cloud our judgment and prevent us from seeing what truly matters. Distraction: Focusing on things that are not God’s will can lead us away from His plan. Lack of Trust: It's crucial to trust in God’s guidance, even when we don’t understand everything. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that our faith shouldn’t be about avoiding fear but about trusting in God's wisdom and plan, even when it seems confusing or difficult. It encourages a perspective of hope and anticipation, knowing that God is working for good. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss the historical context surrounding this story? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories?

Definition: Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:23. It’s a pretty dense passage, so we'll take it step by step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Ezekiel 12:23 says: ‘Therefore, I will end this saying, and they shall no longer use it as a saying in Israel.’ But he then tells them to say something different – 'The days are coming, and the result of every vision will be…’” Let's unpack that: “Ezekiel 12:23” : This is a specific passage from the Book of Ezekiel. It’s a bit mysterious, and it’s been interpreted in different ways throughout history. “Tell them therefore…” : This is Ezekiel's message – he’s giving instructions to a group of people. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease…” : This means Ezekiel is saying that a particular way of speaking or thinking - a "proverb" - needs to stop being used. He’s essentially declaring a specific kind of statement is wrong and should be abandoned. “and they shall no more use it as a saying in Israel” : This is the core of the message. This “proverb” is being banned from being said publicly in Israel, meaning it's being discouraged or forbidden to be used. “But say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. Ezekiel is telling these people to explain what he’s saying – that everything that happens will have a consequence. He’s hinting at something big and potentially destructive coming about. Overall Interpretation - It's about a looming disaster: Many scholars believe this verse speaks about a future judgment or period of great hardship in Israel. The "vision" he refers to could represent a vision of impending doom, perhaps a time when the people will be severely punished for their sins. The “days are at hand” suggests that this punishment is coming soon. Important Note: It's important to remember that this is a complex passage with layers of meaning and interpretation. Different scholars have different ideas about what Ezekiel intended. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories?

Definition: For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:24. It’s a pretty profound and important message about how we should live our lives. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to stop worrying about strange dreams or getting tricked by false visions. It’s urging us to focus on the real, honest truth of God’s word and stay grounded in His guidance. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 12:24” : This is a specific passage from a prophetic book called Ezekiel. It's a message delivered by God to Ezekiel, the prophet, about the future of Israel. “For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination” : This is the core of the warning. “Vain visions” and “flattering divination” are these things – they’re illusions or misleading ideas that people might have. They're things that try to trick you into making decisions based on something that isn't true or real. “Vain vision” means a dream, an idea, or a belief that is not based on God’s word and isn't actually true. It's a distraction from the real path. “Flattering divination” refers to false predictions or interpretations of events. It's trying to lead you astray with something that isn’t genuine. "Within the house of Israel" : This is where it all comes back to. It means within the community of Israel – the people God chose to follow, and the nation they were entrusted to. So, what does this mean for us today? Basically, it’s a call to: Trust in God's Word: Our faith should be based on His revealed truth, not on our own imagination or what we think might happen. Stay Focused on What Matters: Don't get caught up in worrying about things that aren't real or important. Seek True Guidance: Rely on God’s wisdom and direction rather than relying on illusions. In short, the verse is a reminder to be grounded in truth and not let our minds wander into dangerous or misleading thoughts. --- Do you want me to explain this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Give you some examples of things that might lead to "vain visions" or "flattering divination"? Talk about the importance of trusting God’s word in a specific situation?

Definition: For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:25. It’s a pretty dramatic statement about God’s future action. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is saying that he (God) will actively and decisively intervene in the lives of the people who are rebelling against him. He’s going to make his word come true, and it will be permanent – meaning it won’t be reversed. Let's break it down into parts: “Ezekiel 12:25” : This is the verse itself – a specific passage from the Book of Ezekiel. “For I [am] the LORD…” : This establishes that we’re talking to God directly. It’s a declaration of who he is. “…I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass…” : This is the promise . God is going to communicate (speak) with a specific message. The “word” refers to his divine plan or instruction. It's important to note this isn’t just a casual conversation; it’s a significant action. “it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house…” : This is the promise of consequence . God will not allow this rebellion to continue indefinitely. “No more prolonged” means that his word will have a definitive and lasting impact. "O rebellious house" refers specifically to those who are defying him and refusing to listen to him. “Sa saith the Lord GOD.” : This is a final, emphatic statement of God’s authority. He is speaking with absolute certainty. Overall Meaning: God is going to use his word (his plan) to bring about a significant change – to punish and ultimately correct the behavior of those who are rejecting him. It's a promise of judgment and a demonstration of God’s power and justice. Important Context (briefly): Ezekiel 12 is part of a larger story in the Book of Ezekiel, where God is speaking to Ezekiel about the nation of Israel and their rebellion against him. This verse is a key moment in that narrative, marking a point of intense divine judgment. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular aspect of this verse further? Provide more context from the Book of Ezekiel?

Definition: Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Ezekiel 12:26. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of the book! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s a message of judgment and punishment. Let’s unpack it: “Again the word of the LORD came to me…” – This is like saying, "I've already spoken to God, but now I want to say something more." It suggests the prophet Ezekiel was receiving a second, perhaps more forceful, message from God. “…saying,” - This simply means he’s delivering a warning or statement. So, what does the verse actually say? The full text of the verse is: “Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying…” It’s a direct quote from Ezekiel 12:26. It translates roughly to: “Again, I spoke to me, and said…” What does this mean in context? This is a key moment in Ezekiel's prophecy. He was facing a very difficult situation – he was being given a warning that the people of Israel were about to be punished for their sins. It’s a stark reminder that God isn’t just concerned with our actions, but with the entire world and all its inhabitants. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for a dramatic and ultimately devastating outcome in the Book of Revelation. It's a powerful warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It foreshadows God’s ultimate judgment on humanity, but it also highlights His justice and righteousness. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: The context of Ezekiel 12:26 in the larger narrative of the book. The significance of the "word of the LORD" – what does that mean in a prophetic context? How this verse relates to the Book of Revelation?

Definition: Son of man, behold, [they of] the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth [is] for many days [to come], and he prophesieth of the times [that are] far off.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:27. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about people who believe God is showing them a future vision – a glimpse of what will happen. But they’re actually trying to manipulate that vision to their own advantage, and it's causing trouble. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 12:27” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It’s a passage from the book of Ezekiel. “Son of man” : This refers to Jesus, the Son of God (as understood in Jewish tradition). It’s a title that emphasizes his role as a messenger and witness. “Behold” : This word is Latin for "behold," meaning “watch" or "see." It's a way of drawing attention to this significant event. “[they of] the house of Israel” : This refers to the people of Israel, specifically those who were enslaved in Egypt. The phrase “the house of Israel” is a very powerful and symbolic phrase in Jewish tradition. “Say” : They’re speaking aloud. “The vision that he seeth” : This is the core of the verse – Jesus is describing a vision he has received. “[is] for many days [to come]” : This means the vision is not just a fleeting moment, but something lasting and significant. It’s a prophecy or prediction for a long time ahead. “and he prophesieth of the times [that are] far off.” : This phrase highlights that this isn't just any future event; it’s a future event that will be long, distant, and significant. What’s the meaning? The verse suggests that people are trying to influence Jesus's visions by whispering into them, shaping his predictions. It’s like someone is trying to steer the message of prophecy. This was a very serious and worrying situation for Jesus at the time. He felt he was being manipulated and that his vision was being used against him. Why is this important? This passage highlights several themes: The dangers of manipulation: It warns us against trying to control or influence divine messages. The importance of free will: It suggests that God gives people free will to interpret and act on his visions, but it’s crucial for humans to be aware they could be misled. Trusting God's guidance: It reminds us to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance, rather than seeking to control or manipulate the future. In short, this verse warns against the temptation to manipulate divine prophecies and encourages a reliance on God's true will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:28. It’s a really powerful and important part of the Bible! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: God is speaking very clearly and firmly about His will – that He has said something specific and won't change it. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore say unto them…” : This is God telling someone (likely a leader or group of people) to listen carefully. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is God speaking directly, using His own authority and voice. It’s like him formally stating something important. “There shall none of my words be prolonged any more…” : This is the most crucial part . God is saying that He will never change what He has already said. He won't offer any new instructions or explanations. He’s repeating himself. “…but the word which I have spoken shall be done…” : This means God’s words – those he has previously revealed – are complete and final. They are not subject to debate or correction. What does this mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that God's will is absolute and unchanging. It’s about trust in His plan and knowing that He will ultimately prevail. It emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s guidance, because it’s not up for negotiation or alteration. Why is this important? Authority: It highlights God's supreme authority over everything. Faith: It encourages us to trust in His word and be steadfast in following His commands. Security: It offers a sense of security because we know that God’s words will never change. In short, this verse is a statement of absolute truth – God's words are final and unchangeable. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 12:28? Discuss the context of this verse in the book of Ezekiel? Connect it to a particular theme or idea in the Bible?