Definition: And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger [was] sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 23:40. It's a pretty intense and symbolic description of a significant act of worship. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a lavish and incredibly detailed offering made to God. Here’s a breakdown of what each part means: “And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger [was] sent…” – This tells us that God is acknowledging a great display of devotion and sacrifice. He's recognizing someone who has dedicated themselves completely to Him. "A messenger" suggests a specific person or group. “…and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments.” – This is the core of the passage. It’s describing a very specific and extravagant ritual. Let's unpack it: “Wash thyself”: This refers to a symbolic washing - perhaps a cleansing or purification. It suggests a deep and sincere repentance. God is acknowledging that they have taken a significant step towards reconciliation with Him. “Paintedst thy eyes”: This means they’ve adorned themselves with something – likely jewels, symbols of reverence, or even a visual representation of their devotion. It's a very elaborate display meant to show their worship and respect. “Deckst thyself with ornaments”: This is the final part - it means they have put on luxurious garments, perhaps even gold, as a sign of their offering. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a truly profound act of worship – an incredibly lavish and detailed offering. It’s not just about giving something; it's about showing the depth of devotion through an elaborate display. It suggests: A High Degree of Faith: The level of detail is extraordinary, indicating a very strong belief and commitment to God. Reconciliation & Forgiveness: The act of washing and adornment could be seen as a way for the person to demonstrate that they have taken sufficient steps toward reconciliation with God after a transgression or mistake. Important Note: The precise meaning is debated among theologians, but this passage generally points to a significant moment in biblical history where a leader offered a massive and symbolic offering to God as a demonstration of their faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of Ezekiel? Discuss different interpretations of the symbolism? Explore why this passage is significant in biblical history?