Definition: Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex and poetic passage from Ezekiel 30:2. It's a really old and symbolic text, so we need to understand it in a few layers. Here's my explanation, aiming for clarity without getting bogged down in exhaustive theological debate: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially a warning and a call to action from God, delivered through a dramatic and forceful voice. It’s about urgent consequences for something happening. Let's unpack the parts: "Ezekiel 30:2 Son of man, prophesy..." – "Ezekiel 30" refers to Ezekiel, a prophet who was sent by God. "Prophesy" means to speak or write about something in a prophetic way – predicting the future. This part is saying that Ezekiel is being called upon to speak out and tell what God has planned. "...and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD..." – This is a powerful declaration of authority. It’s not just any old statement; it's the voice of God itself. "Howl ye, Woe worth the day!" – This is where it gets really intense. "Woe" means sorrow or misfortune. “Worth the day” suggests an immense and lasting suffering. It’s a desperate plea for pain and devastation. Putting it all together - A Possible Interpretation: Ezekiel 30 is essentially telling God that there's a significant problem – likely related to a specific group of people or a particular situation in Israel. God is warning them, using the powerful voice of Ezekiel, that if they don’t listen and respond appropriately, it will lead to terrible consequences. It’s a clear warning about the repercussions of their actions – potentially involving judgment and suffering. Important Context (Think of this as background): The book of Ezekiel was written in a time of great spiritual turmoil and division within the Jewish community. Ezekiel was tasked with interpreting God's will, and this verse is part of a larger narrative about a crisis and the need for repentance. It’s a dramatic expression of God’s displeasure at something that’s causing trouble. In short: This verse warns against ignoring God’s word and calls for a decisive response to a problem that will bring significant pain and consequence. It's a powerful message about responsibility, judgment, and the importance of listening to divine guidance. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on current understanding of the text and interpretation, but religious interpretations can be complex. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Ezekiel 30? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore a specific theme connected to the verse (e.g., judgment, repentance)?