Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 25:12. It’s a pretty serious and important passage about God’s judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s righteous anger at Edom for their actions against Judah – essentially, for a conflict they started. It highlights a consequence of sin and rebellion. Let's break it down word by word: "Thus saith the Lord GOD..." : This is just a formal way of saying “God says this.” "...Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah..." : This means Edom has been actively hostile and causing trouble to Judah. "Dealing against" suggests a deliberate act of aggression or defiance. "...by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended..." : This is the core of the verse. God is punishing Edom for their actions. He's enacting “vengeance” - a just punishment – because they’ve done something wrong. "Greatly offended" means they have deeply wronged him or his people. "...and hath revenged himself upon them;" : This is the crucial part. God is punishing Edom with a consequence that directly harms them. He's taking back what they did, punishing them for their transgression. What does it mean in simpler terms? It means God sees Edom as a bad guy and will hold him accountable for his actions. He’s not just angry; he’s actively reversing the damage caused by their rebellion. It's a message about the importance of obeying God’s laws and avoiding sin. Context is Key: This verse comes from a time when Judah was experiencing political turmoil and oppression under Edom. The story of this conflict is part of a larger narrative in the Bible that emphasizes God’s justice, his plan for redemption, and the consequences of disobedience. --- In short, the verse says God will punish Edom because they've rebelled against him and caused harm to Judah. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a story or event in the Bible?