Definition: Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 14:22. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s judgment on Jerusalem and the devastating consequences that will follow. It’s saying that even though He has brought terrible things upon Jerusalem, there will still be a group of people who will come to see the truth and experience God's mercy. Let’s break it down word by word: “Yet, behold…” : This is an introduction – a pause before a significant event. “…thereupon shall be left a remnant…” : This means there will be a group of people who survive or are spared from the worst of the consequences. It’s not about being saved completely, but rather surviving to see what happens next. “[both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings:” : This is a poetic image – think of it like bringing forth a new generation. “Sons and daughters” refers to people – specifically, young men and women . “They shall come forth unto you” means they will arrive or appear to us. "Ye shall see their way and their doings" – this is the key part. It means we’ll witness what these individuals do as a result of God's actions. “and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.” : This is where the weight of the situation hits home. “Evil” here refers to the oppression, suffering, and destruction that God has inflicted on Jerusalem through his judgment. It’s not just a single event; it's a long period of hardship and devastation. The phrase "[even] concerning all that I have brought upon it" emphasizes that this isn’t just about one incident, but the totality of God’s wrath and punishment. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is a glimpse into God's plan for Israel's future. It speaks to: God's Justice: He is exacting his justice on those who have disobeyed Him. A Cycle of Suffering: The verse suggests that this isn’t a one-time event, but part of an ongoing pattern of judgment and consequence. It points towards a cycle of suffering for Israel. Important Note: It's important to remember that Ezekiel 14:22 is written in a very dramatic and symbolic way. The meaning is intended to be understood in the context of God’s plan for Israel, emphasizing his judgment but also hinting at hope for restoration and redemption. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Offer a different perspective on the meaning?