Definition: Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:12. It’s a really important warning about how God sees people who are truly wicked. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone who is deliberately causing suffering and injustice to the poor and needy has really messed up, and they’ve lost everything – including their own integrity and trust. Let’s unpack each part: “Hath oppressed the poor and needy…” : This means the person is actively taking advantage of others who are struggling. They're deliberately making things difficult for those who need help most. Think of it like someone consistently stealing from people or being greedy while others suffer. “…hastened by violence…” : This isn’t just a casual act of rudeness; it's deliberate and harmful. It’s not just about being careless, but about actively causing pain and distress through their actions. It suggests they might be bullying, harming, or taking advantage in a way that is deeply upsetting to others. “…hastened by violence…” : This reinforces the previous point – it's not just carelessness; it’s actively causing harm. “Hastened by eyes…lifted up…committed abomination” : This is the most powerful part. It means they’ve looked away from God and focused on things that are wrong, like idols (representations of false gods). They’ve done something that violates God's standards of right and wrong – it's a serious act of disrespect and idolatry. "Abomination" means something incredibly offensive or morally bad - this is a significant transgression against God. So, putting it all together: This verse describes someone who is actively harming others through greed, cruelty, and disregard for the vulnerable. They’ve gone so far as to deliberately insult God and disrespect His laws by focusing on false idols. It's a serious accusation of moral corruption. Important Note: Ezekiel 18:12 is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping false gods instead of God. It’s a call for people to turn away from these false idols and focus on true faith and righteousness. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what this kind of behavior might look like? Discuss the context of this passage within the broader story of the Bible?