Definition: I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 35:4. It's a pretty dramatic statement about God’s plan for the future! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that God is going to completely destroy and ruin all the cities and settlements on Earth. He’s saying it will be a total, utter waste. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “I will lay thy cities waste…” : This is a strong image of destruction. “Lay” suggests a deliberate action – like laying something down to be destroyed. "Cities and settlements" refers to towns, villages, and major urban areas. “…and thou shalt be desolate…” : This means the places will become empty and barren – nothing will be left behind. It’s a complete absence of life and activity. "...and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.” : This is the crucial part. It's a declaration of God’s identity and power. It’s saying, “I am the one who is doing this – I am the Lord.” What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse has a lot of layers of meaning and is often interpreted as: A Judgment: It’s a judgment on humanity's wickedness and lack of reverence. God is punishing sin and rebellion. A Test of Faith: It’s a test of whether people will repent (change their ways) and turn to God. If they don’t, the consequences are severe. Preparing for Redemption: It's often seen as a preparation for a future time when God will ultimately restore everything – including the cities and people – to His perfect order. Important Note: The exact interpretation of this verse has been debated throughout history. Different theologians have offered various explanations, but it’s generally understood as a significant act of judgment from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss what some people think about its meaning? Give you a brief summary in different ways (like a poem or analogy)?