Definition: Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important passage from the Book of Ezekiel. It’s a really powerful message about God’s judgment and a call to action. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God has singled out Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, as a major problem and needs to be dealt with. It’s not just a complaint; it’s a clear instruction for God to intervene. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Ezekiel 29:2..." : This refers to a specific prophecy written by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. It’s a part of a larger story about God’s plan and how He will work through his people. "Son of man..." : This is a metaphorical way of saying “God” or “the Lord.” It's not talking about a specific person but rather representing the divine nature of God. "...set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt..." : This is the core instruction. Ezekiel says, "Set your face against him." He’s directing God to focus his attention and energy on Pharaoh, who was in charge of Egypt – a huge empire with vast resources and power. It's a very direct challenge. "...and against all Egypt..." : This emphasizes the scale of the problem. Pharaoh wasn't just a minor ruler; he controlled an entire nation and its wealth. He was essentially a symbol of oppression and injustice. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to a time when God was actively working to free humanity from slavery and injustice. It suggests that God is not just concerned with the suffering of individuals but wants to address systemic problems like oppression and greed. It’s a message about: Justice: God is demanding that Pharaoh be held accountable for his actions, which are causing harm to people. Moral Responsibility: Pharaoh has a moral responsibility to treat his people fairly and justly. Divine Intervention: God isn't just passively observing; He’s choosing to actively intervene and bring about change. In short, this verse is a call to action from God – a challenge for Pharaoh to stop his oppressive rule and start working towards a more just and compassionate world. --- Important Note: This passage has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It’s often seen as a foreshadowing of the rise of Christianity and a message about the coming of Jesus Christ. Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context?

Definition: I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 29:20. It’s a really important and somewhat poetic statement about God’s plan for Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is actively working to help the Israelites (the people of Israel) in their work, specifically in rebuilding the land they lost. He’s using them as a tool to accomplish something bigger – bringing back the prosperity and blessing that was taken from them. Let's unpack it word by word: “I have given him the land of Egypt…” - This refers to the land God gave to Abraham and his descendants, specifically the land of Egypt. It’s a land that was once fertile and abundant, but was lost due to wickedness and conflict. “[for] his labour wherewith he served against it” – This is key! “Labour” means work, effort, and striving. "Served against it" suggests they were actively fighting to take over or control the land. God is saying that He's enabling them to do this work. “because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.” - This is the most important part! “They” refers to the people of Egypt. "Wrought for me" means they were actively building and developing the land – making it prosperous, establishing trade routes, and so on. The Lord God is saying that He's overseeing this work and directing it. Putting it all together: God is putting His hand directly into the work of rebuilding the land of Egypt. He’s using them as a vehicle to bring back the prosperity and blessings he promised to them in the first place. It’s a powerful statement about God’s active involvement in restoring something that was lost. In simpler terms: God is helping the Israelites rebuild their homeland, and He's directing their efforts with a lot of care and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a broader context (like its connection to the story of Egypt)?

Definition: In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 29:21. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to actively intervene in the future of Israel, and He will give them a visible sign – a “mouth” opening – to recognize that He is the Lord. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “In that day…” : This tells us we’re talking about a specific time in the future, likely a period of significant trouble or crisis for Israel. “…will cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth…” : "Horn" is a symbolic term – it represents the Jewish people themselves, their identity, and their strength. "Bud forth" means to grow and flourish. So, this means God intends to grow and strengthen Israel. “…and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them…” : This is where it gets a bit symbolic. The “mouth” is like a doorway or an opening. God is going to make a visible sign – a large, obvious opening – in the center of the Jewish community, especially those leaders and figures. “…and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.” : This is the crucial part. God is declaring Himself. The “they” refers to the people of Israel, and this declaration signifies that He is the Lord – the supreme authority and creator of everything. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse isn’t just about a physical event happening in the future. It's a powerful message about God’s sovereignty: God's Active Role: It suggests that God doesn’t just allow things to happen; He actively influences and intervenes. Divine Authority: It emphasizes that God is in control and has a plan for everything, even when it seems chaotic. Recognition of His Presence: The opening of the mouth symbolizes a visible demonstration of God's power and presence. In short, this verse speaks to God’s active involvement in history, specifically with Israel, and His ultimate authority over all things. --- Resources for further learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1423/Ezekiel%2029](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1423/Ezekiel%2029) Encyclopedia Britannica: [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ezekiel-29-21](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ezekiel-29-21) Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, like its symbolism or historical context?