Definition: Son of man, write thee the name of the day, [even] of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 24:2. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible, and it speaks about a future event with significant implications. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse describes a prophecy of a terrible thing happening – Babylon conquering Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 24:2” : This is the beginning of a prophecy, meaning a prediction or vision. It's being delivered by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient times. “Son of man” : This refers to Jesus Christ – the Son of God, as understood in early Christian belief. “Write thee the name of the day…” : Ezekiel is instructing someone (likely a scribe or messenger) to write down a specific name. “…of this same day…” : This emphasizes that this event is certainly about to happen very soon. “The king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem” : This is the core of the message. Babylon, a powerful city-state in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), was considered a symbol of evil and chaos. The King of Babylon – specifically, a powerful ruler – was plotting to attack and conquer Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. What it’s saying – A Warning & Prophecy: The verse is essentially a warning about impending disaster. It's telling us that: Babylon will be involved in a major conflict. It's not just any battle; this will be a significant and devastating war. Jerusalem is at risk. The city of Jerusalem, which was historically a holy place for Jews, is directly threatened by Babylon’s ambitions. This event is prophesied to happen in the future. The verse describes a future event that has been divinely ordained. Important Context (Understanding the Time) It's crucial to understand this verse within its historical context: Babylon was a major power: In ancient times, Babylon controlled much of Mesopotamia and had significant political and military influence. The Old Testament Era: This passage is part of an apocalyptic vision – a time when the end of the world was coming, and a great battle would occur. It’s a message of judgment and a call to prepare for God's plan. In essence, Ezekiel 24:2 is a dramatic announcement of a future conflict between Babylon and Jerusalem, with significant consequences for the region. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind this prophecy? Compare it to other biblical prophecies?