Definition: So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Ezekiel 24:18. It’s a really difficult and poignant passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here's what it means, explained simply: “So I spake unto the people in the morning…” – This is just saying that Ezekiel, the prophet of God, was speaking to a crowd or group of people. “Spake” means spoke or declared. It’s a formal announcement. “…and at even my wife died…” – This is the core of the verse. Ezekiel’s wife had died. This is a crucial point. “And I did in the morning as I was commanded.” - This is where it gets complicated, and there's a lot of interpretation surrounding this part. It means that Ezekiel, in his grief and despair, did something he was told to do . The exact details are unclear, but here’s what we can understand: “As I was commanded” – This suggests that God gave him a specific instruction or task during that morning. What did the command say? The Bible doesn't explicitly state what the command was. However, it likely involved some kind of repentance, sacrifice, or action to appease God and restore peace. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of profound grief and desperation. Ezekiel is overwhelmed by his sorrow because he lost his wife. He’s acknowledging that he's broken with God and feels helpless. The “commanded” part suggests that this wasn’t just a random act of sadness, but something he was told to do in response to a significant event. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in the Bible. Different interpretations exist about exactly what Ezekiel was commanded and why he acted in this way. In short, it’s a story of immense sorrow and a desperate plea for forgiveness. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations within religious circles but should be treated as a general overview. Would you like me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 24? Discuss different interpretations of this verse?