Definition: Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:3. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s judgment and his distance from Israel. It’s saying that God is serious about how He wants to be remembered and treated by His people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 20:3” : This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision – a very dramatic scene where he sees God speaking to the elders of Israel. “Son of man” : This is a title given to Ezekiel, who was a prophet during this time. It's a way for God to refer to him. “Speak unto the elders…” : Ezekiel is telling the elders of Israel – the leaders and people of Israel – to listen to him. “…and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me?” : This is the core of the verse. God is saying, “I am here, and I want to be remembered by you.” He’s asking if they've thought about him or his purpose. “[As] I live…” : This is a crucial part. God is emphasizing that he is alive and actively involved in the world. He isn’t just passively observing; he's present and engaged. “Sayeth the Lord GOD…” : This confirms that we are hearing directly from God. “…I will not be inquired of by you.” : This is the most surprising part. God is saying, “I don’t need your questions or attention anymore. I have everything I need from you.” He's essentially distancing himself from this particular group of people. What does it mean in a bigger picture? God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control and doesn’t want to be involved in the daily lives of His people. Judgment & Distance: It suggests a period of judgment or separation for Israel. God might be testing them, showing them his displeasure, or simply withdrawing from them. Focus on His Glory: It's about God revealing himself powerfully and purposefully. In essence, this verse is a powerful statement about God’s absolute authority and his desire to be remembered and honored. Important Note: This passage is complex and has been interpreted in many different ways throughout history. It's important to read it with context and understand the historical setting of Ezekiel's vision. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss its possible meaning within a specific biblical context (like the Old Testament)? Give you an analogy to help you understand the idea?

Definition: Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important one that speaks to a serious issue in ancient times. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is from the book of Ezekiel, and it’s about judging Israel after they had been practicing something very sinful – idolatry (worshiping other gods). It's saying God is looking down on them and condemning their behavior. Let's unpack it word by word: “Wherefore say unto the house of Israel…” - This means "Because I speak to the people of Israel..." It’s like a command or warning from God. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD…” – This is God speaking directly to Ezekiel, who was a prophet in this time. “Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers?” - This is the core of the verse. It's asking if Israel has strayed from God’s path and fallen into something terrible. "Polluted" means dirty or morally wrong. It suggests they have been engaging in practices that are against God’s will. “and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?” – This is the most intense part. “Whoredom” refers to sexual sins and immoral behavior. “Abominations” means something so deeply wrong that it's considered a violation of God's law. Putting it all together: God is saying, "Israel has been practicing something very bad - worshipping other gods and engaging in immoral acts – and you are allowed to do the same! This is a serious warning because it’s going against God’s teachings." Important Context (Why this was important): This verse is part of a larger story in the book of Ezekiel. God was trying to help Ezekiel understand what was happening with Israel and why they were so troubled. It's essentially a judgment on their behavior, and it foreshadowed later events in the Bible about Israel’s division and exile. In short, this verse is a strong condemnation of idolatry and immoral practices, highlighting God’s holiness and his desire for a righteous people. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the Bible. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like: A deeper dive into the historical context? An explanation of what “whoredom” and “abominations” mean in the original language?

Definition: For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 20:31. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible, and it speaks about the dangers of focusing on things that aren't truly God’s concern. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning Israel (the people God chose) to be careful about what they offer up – their gifts, their sons, and even their idols. It suggests a potential for spiritual corruption if they become too focused on earthly things instead of worshipping and obeying God directly. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire…” - This refers to offerings – religious rituals, donations, or blessings given. The “fire” part is crucial. It's not about literal fire; it symbolizes a test of faith and obedience. "...ye pollute yourselves with all your idols..." - This means you start worshipping things other than God. These "idols" can be anything – false gods, self-importance, material possessions, or even human opinions. It’s about prioritizing something other than God. “Even unto this day…” - This is a key phrase indicating a continuing warning. It means the danger isn't just in the past; it still exists now. "...and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel?”” – This is the core of the warning. God is asking us to consider whether we’re prioritizing things that don’t come from Him. It’s a question of our focus and priorities. “As [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.” – This is the most powerful part. God is saying, "I will remain in control and not ask you about your choices." This emphasizes that God’s judgment and guidance are absolute and unchanging. What does this mean for us today? It's a reminder to: Stay focused on God: Don't chase after things that don't align with His will – wealth, power, fame, or anything that distracts you from Him. Prioritize obedience: Follow God’s instructions and principles without being swayed by worldly influences. Recognize the importance of spiritual growth: True worship and devotion are about worshipping God , not things we create ourselves. In short, the verse urges us to be mindful of our priorities and to remain firmly rooted in God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that can lead people astray?

Definition: And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:32. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about ambition and pride. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: The verse warns against focusing on worldly things – like wealth, power, or status – to the point of becoming obsessed with them. It suggests that our desires shouldn’t drive us to become like those who live purely in material possessions. Let's unpack it word-by-word: "And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all..." - This is a key part. It means that any thought, idea, or ambition that comes into our minds shouldn’t be focused on that specific thing . It suggests we need to stay grounded and avoid getting lost in one goal. "...that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries..." - This is where it gets more profound. The verse describes a future state – a future where people are like the "heathens" (a group of people considered primitive and unrefined) and the "families of the countries." This isn't about being completely lost or removed from society. It’s about being completely consumed by worldly pursuits. "...to serve wood and stone." - This is the unsettling part. The verse implies that this future state will be characterized by a desire to simply serve material things – like wood and stone – without any spiritual purpose or connection to God. It suggests a lack of faith, morality, and true devotion. In simpler terms: The verse warns against becoming so focused on worldly possessions and achievements that we lose our way from God and forget the importance of spiritual life. It’s about striving for things beyond ourselves - but not at the expense of our relationship with God. Overall Meaning & Context (Important!) Ezekiel 20:32 is often interpreted as a warning against pride and ambition, particularly when it comes to earthly power or wealth. It highlights the importance of remaining humble, focused on spiritual growth, and remembering that true fulfillment comes from God. It's about avoiding being consumed by material desires instead of focusing on what truly matters – our relationship with Him. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?

Definition: [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:33. It’s a pretty dramatic statement about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to be incredibly powerful and forceful – almost like a raging storm – and he’ll use that power to rule over people. Let's unpack it word by word: "As" : This is an introductory phrase, like “for example” or “in the manner of”. It’s setting up a comparison. “I live” : God is stating that he is alive and active. This isn't just any old living; it's a powerful, active existence. "Sayeth the Lord GOD" : This is God speaking directly to us. It’s important because it’s a declaration of authority. “Surely” : This word emphasizes certainty and conviction – God really intends this. “With a mighty hand” : This means he will use his power in a very forceful way, almost like a giant hand reaching out. “And with a stretched out arm” : It’s like he’s extending his arm out to encompass the entire people. “And with fury poured out” : This is the most intense part. “Fury” suggests a righteous anger and overwhelming passion. It's not just any anger, it’s a deep, burning rage. “will I rule over you” : This is the core of the verse – God intends to govern or control people. Putting it all together: God is declaring that he will take complete control and authority over everyone. He’s going to be incredibly powerful and forceful, using his might to dominate and govern. It's a strong statement about God’s ultimate plan for the future. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning, suggesting that people should tremble before God's power and submission. It speaks of a time when God will be in control, and it’s important to understand this context when interpreting it. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss the symbolism behind this phrase (like "a mighty hand" or "a stretched out arm")? Compare it to other biblical passages about God's power?

Definition: And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:34. It's a pretty dramatic statement about God’s action. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to remove the people – specifically, the Israelites – who are scattered across the land. He’s taking them back to a specific place, and he’s doing it with a lot of force and power. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I will bring you out from the people…” This means God is initiating this action – he's making a decision to separate the Israelites. It’s not just that they’re scattered; he’s actively taking them away. “…and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered…” This describes the process of removal. "Ye" refers to the Israelites, and “countries” means different regions or territories they've been spread across. He’s gathering them back to a specific location. “With a mighty hand…” This emphasizes God’s power and determination. It's not just a gentle separation; it’s a forceful movement. “…and with a stretched out arm…” This evokes an image of stretching out, like he’s reaching out to reclaim them. “…and with fury poured out.” This is the most powerful part. "Fury" suggests intense anger and righteous wrath – God is unleashing his power against those who have been scattered. It's a very serious declaration of judgment. Overall Meaning: Ezekiel 20:34 describes a pivotal moment where God decides to bring the Israelites back together, forcefully and with a significant display of his power. It’s a reminder that God is ultimately in control and will not tolerate scattering or separation. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God's authority. It speaks to the seriousness of abandoning God’s plan for the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 20? Discuss the context of this verse in the Bible (like why it was written)? Compare it to other stories about God's judgment?

Definition: And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:35. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat mysterious passage. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is directly confronting someone – likely a leader or influential figure – with a serious message. He’s not just talking to them; he’s facing them, looking at them intently. Let’s unpack the parts: “And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people…” - This refers to a specific place, likely a remote and isolated area – think a desolate landscape. It suggests a sense of isolation and being away from normal life. It's not a comfortable or familiar setting. "...and there will I plead with you face to face.” - This is the crucial part. God is directly addressing someone, directly , with a serious demand or warning. "Face to face" means he’s looking at them, observing them closely, and wanting to see their reaction. It implies a judgment or an opportunity for repentance. What does this suggest about God's perspective? He’s watching: It paints a picture of God being very attentive and observant. He’s concerned: The phrase “plead with you” suggests that there's something significant at stake – perhaps a transgression, a wrong done, or a failing in leadership. He’s demanding action: It implies that God isn’t just talking; he's actively trying to influence the person he's addressing. Possible Interpretations (these are just educated guesses based on biblical context): Addressing a leader: This could be about a king, a priest, or someone in authority who is behaving unethically or failing to serve God’s people well. Warning against sin: It's often interpreted as a warning against pride and rebellion – urging the person to turn away from their sinful ways. In short, this verse describes a direct confrontation between God and someone important, with the potential for significant consequences if they don’t heed his message. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 20:35? Discuss the context of the verse in the larger story of the Bible?

Definition: Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:36. It’s a really important and somewhat poetic passage about God's concern for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it’s a plea from God to us. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “Like as I pleaded with your fathers…” : This is a comparison. God is saying he has been speaking to people in the past – to those who lived in Egypt. Think of it like a long, ongoing conversation. “…in the wilderness of the land of Egypt” : The “wilderness of the land of Egypt” refers to a very difficult and challenging place - a vast desert area where there was no water, hardship, and a lot of uncertainty. It represents a time of great struggle and perhaps even near-despair. “So will I plead with you…” : This is the crucial part. God is now directly addressing us, reminding us that He has been speaking to us before. He’s not just talking about the past; he’s saying He's still concerned and wants to remind us of this relationship. “Saith the Lord GOD” : This is a formal way of saying “God says…” or "The LORD God speaks." It emphasizes that this is a direct message from the divine. What it’s really saying: God is expressing deep concern for humanity, especially those who are struggling and perhaps feeling lost or hopeless. He's reminding us that He has been watching over us, offering guidance, and pleading with us to turn back to Him. It’s a message of hope and a call to repentance – urging us to seek God’s help and return to the relationship He has established with us. In short, it's a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about our situation and wants to reconnect with us. Context & Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a warning to avoid sin and to turn back to God. It’s a plea for forgiveness and a restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 20:36? Discuss its symbolism or meaning in more detail?

Definition: And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:37. It’s a pretty powerful and dramatic statement about God’s plan for Israel. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: God is going to punish and control the Israelites (specifically, the tribe of Benjamin) with a severe consequence – they will be brought into a binding agreement with Him. It’s not just about punishment; it’s about being under His watchful care and protection. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And I will cause you to pass under the rod” : This is a metaphor for God’s judgment. "The rod" is a symbol of God’s power and authority, and “passing under” suggests being subjected to that power. It means God is going to deliver them. “…and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant” : This is the key part! “Covenant” means a promise or agreement between two people. “Bond” means something that binds or connects people together. So, this means God is going to tie you down and make you accountable to Him through this agreement. Putting it all together: God is deliberately choosing to bring the Israelites under His control and protection. He’s not just punishing them; he's establishing a relationship with them that requires obedience and commitment. It’s like being bound by a promise – you have to follow it, and disobeying will lead to consequences. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God. It highlights the seriousness of their situation and the potential for severe repercussions if they don’t heed His guidance. In essence, it's a declaration that God intends to have a powerful and controlling relationship with Israel, and that this relationship will be enforced through a binding agreement. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of Ezekiel 20:37 in more detail? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?

Definition: And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:38. It’s a pretty powerful message about God’s judgment and His plan for those who are rebellious against Him. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying God is going to remove people who are actively defying Him and breaking His rules. He’s taking them out of a specific place and isolating them from Israel, so he can show how serious his judgment is. Let's look at it piece by piece: “And I will purge out from among you the rebels…” – “Purge” means to remove or eliminate something. In this context, God is removing those who are actively disobeying His commands and teachings. "Rebels" refers to people who are going against God’s will. “…and them that transgress against me:” - This continues to emphasize the breaking of rules. “Transgress” means to violate or break a law or rule. God is saying He's punishing those who are not following His guidelines. “I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn…” – "Sojourn" means to travel or wander, often in exile or away from their home. This part emphasizes that these people aren’t just living somewhere; they're traveling away from God’s presence and community. “and they shall not enter into the land of Israel:” – This is a crucial point. The verse says they are being removed from Israel, meaning they will no longer be part of their society and way of life. It’s like exile. “And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.” - Finally, God declares Himself as the one who is doing this. It's a declaration of authority and ultimate justice. He’s making it clear that He is the one in charge and will be holding them accountable. In simpler terms: God is going to punish those who are actively defying Him and refusing to follow His laws. He’s taking them out of a place where they’re living without him, and he'll show how serious his punishment is. It’s a message of judgment and separation. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted. It doesn’t mean God is actively punishing people for minor infractions. Instead, it speaks to serious disobedience that goes beyond just breaking a rule – it suggests a deeper rejection of His will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide some examples of what "rebellion" might look like in the context of biblical stories? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger context of scripture?