Definition: Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 36:1. It's a really interesting and significant verse in the Bible, and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, this verse is saying: “Ezekiel is speaking to the mountains of Israel – they’re a group of large, rocky hills – and he’s telling them to listen to him. He's going to tell them that God wants to change something about them.” Let’s unpack it further: “Ezekiel is speaking…” - This tells us this isn’t just a casual conversation. Ezekiel is addressing a group of people, specifically the mountains of Israel. “…prophesy unto the mountains of Israel…” – "Prophesy" means to speak or tell about something important. So, Ezekiel is going to tell them something. He's going to give them news and instructions. "...and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD.” - This is the core message: Ezekiel is calling them to listen to God’s instruction. "Hear the word of the Lord" is a very direct command. What does this mean in terms of what’s happening? This verse points towards a significant shift in how God intends to work with Israel. Ezekiel was essentially telling them that God wants to change something about their appearance and character. It's not just about physical changes, but a deeper transformation – a change of heart and way of living. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ). It suggests that God’s plan for Israel isn't just to be a nation, but to become a new, holy people who will reflect God’s character and live in accordance with his will. In short, this verse is a call to obedience and a sign that something big and transformative is about to happen. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in the context of the Old Testament or the New Testament? Give you some background on Ezekiel’s role as a prophet?

Definition: And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, [even] all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:10. It's a really interesting and significant passage that speaks to a major shift in focus for God with Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying, “I want you to multiply – to grow significantly – and to populate – to fill the land with people – and to build – to create places of life.” It's not just about a small increase; it’s about a massive expansion. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 36:10” : This is the specific verse we’re looking at. “And I will multiply men upon you…” : This is the core of the message. God isn't just adding people; He wants to multiply them. "Multiply" means to grow in number, to become more abundant. Think of it like a plant growing rapidly – it’s expanding its roots and branches. “all the house of Israel…” : This refers to the entire nation of Israel. It's not just a few people; it’s everyone within that group. It emphasizes that God wants to bring everyone into full participation in His plan for Israel. “[even] all of it” : This is crucial! “All of it” means everything . It’s not just about physical population; it's about the entire nation becoming filled with life and purpose. “The cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:” This is where it gets really powerful. “The cities shall be inhabited” : This means that the land will become full of towns, settlements, and places for people to live. It's about creating communities. “and the wastes shall be builded” : This refers to barren or wild areas – places where there’s little or no life. God wants to fill these spaces with life and creation. It's about transforming the land into fertile ground. So, putting it all together: God is saying that He intends for Israel to become incredibly large and full of people – not just a small increase but a massive expansion. It’s about bringing everyone into a thriving and populated nation, transforming the land itself. Why is this significant? This verse speaks to God's plan for Israel’s future. It highlights that God doesn’t just want to have Israel; He wants to create them through their growth and abundance. It’s a promise of blessing and prosperity for the entire nation. --- Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/105/Ezekiel%2036:10) – This website has detailed explanations, translations, and context. [Wikipedia - Ezekiel 36:10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_36#:~:text=The%20verse%20says%20"and%20I%20will%20multiply%20men%20upon%20you...%20all%20of%20it.) – A good overview of the verse’s meaning. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular historical context?

Definition: And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:11. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about God’s plan for His people! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I want to build a strong and thriving community with you, and I’m going to help you grow and prosper far beyond where you started.” Let’s unpack the parts: “Ezekiel 36:11…” : This is the verse itself. It's from a prophecy (a vision or prediction) given by God to Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. “And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit:” This means God wants to create a lot of people – both men and animals. "Multiply" suggests growth and abundance. “Increase” speaks to expanding the community. “Bring fruit” is a metaphor for thriving, flourishing, and producing good things. “And I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings:” This is the most crucial part. "Settle" means to establish or put someone/something in a stable place. God wants to establish you – to provide for you, protect you, and give you a good life. “After your old estates” refers to the way you started (perhaps with a small group of people). “Do better than at your beginnings” means he’s going to make things significantly better than what you had before. He's offering you a chance for greater prosperity and fulfillment. “Ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.” This is a declaration of God’s authority and ownership over this new community. It emphasizes that he is the one in charge and guiding their development. In essence, it's a promise of blessing and abundance for the people of Israel. God is offering them a chance to flourish, grow stronger, and experience a life filled with good things – all under his guidance and protection. What’s the overall message? It highlights God’s love, provision, and desire for His people to prosper. It's a powerful message of hope and assurance! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?

Definition: Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, [even] my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:12. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive and incredibly significant shift in how God intends to deal with Israel. It means God is going to completely transform and “own” Israel, giving them ownership and control over everything they do. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 36:12” : This refers to a specific vision that Ezekiel had while he was in Babylon. It's a prophetic message from God. “Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you…” : This is the core of the verse. "Walk upon you" means to completely dominate Israel – to make them a central part of God’s plans and activities. It's not just about being seen or known; it’s about being actively involved in their lives. “[even] my people Israel” : This emphasizes that this is specifically targeting the Israelites, the people God has chosen. It’s a clear declaration of focus. “and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance…” : This part is crucial. “Possess” isn't about ownership in the traditional sense (like a house). It means to control and guide Israel – to shepherd them, protect them, and shape their destiny. This suggests God will guide and direct them with authority. “and thou shalt be their inheritance…” : This reinforces the idea of being a central part of God's plan for Israel. They’ll become a vital part of God’s future. “and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men]” : This is the most surprising part. “Bereave” means to take away or deprive someone – in this case, Israel. It means they will no longer be subject to human control . They won’t be a slave or under the influence of human laws and decisions. They'll be completely free under God's guidance. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse paints a picture of a radical shift in God’s plan for Israel. It suggests that God intends to use them as a central part of His kingdom, with absolute control and authority. It speaks to a future where the Israelites will be actively directed and guided by God, rather than being subjects of human rule. Important Note: This is a very complex and symbolic passage. It’s important to remember that it's often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Israel’s eventual exile and the establishment of a Jewish kingdom under God's sovereignty – a future where they will be fully owned by Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Provide context about Ezekiel or the time period when this verse was written? Discuss how this verse is viewed differently by different people and traditions?

Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou [land] devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:13. It's a really interesting one that touches on a few key themes in the book of Ezekiel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for restoration and rebuilding after a time of hardship. It highlights God’s initiative to bring people back to life and restore what was lost. Let's unpack it word by word: “Ezekiel 36:13 Thus saith the Lord GOD” : This sets the context – it’s a direct message from God, speaking directly to Ezekiel. “Because they say unto you, Thou [land] devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations.” This is the core of the verse. Let's translate that: "Thou [land] devourest up men” : This means "You are taking men away from your land." It’s a bit poetic – it suggests someone is moving people away. “and hast bereaved thy nations.” This means “You have ruined or lost your nations.” Putting it Together - What's the Message? The verse essentially says: God is actively taking people away from a damaged land, and he’s causing the loss of those lands. It implies that something has been broken or destroyed, and God is starting the process of fixing things again. What does this mean practically? Restoration: God is restoring what was lost – rebuilding communities, perhaps even a whole nation. Healing: He’s healing the land through the people who are being taken away. It’s a symbolic act of restoration. A Purpose: It suggests that this action isn't random; it has a deliberate purpose rooted in God's plan for His people and his kingdom. In short, it's a message about divine intervention restoring something broken. --- Would you like me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Give more context about Ezekiel’s situation? Discuss the symbolism behind the "land" and "nations"?

Definition: Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:14. It's a pretty powerful and important passage about God’s plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I don’t want you to continue to harm people with your strength or possessions. You have the power to take what you need, but you shouldn't be taking more than is necessary and causing pain.” Let's unpack it a little further: “Ezekiel 36:14” – This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision – he sees God speaking through a goat. It's a symbolic message about the future. “Therefore thou shalt devour men no more…” – This means that God is giving you permission to use your strength and abilities to take what you need, but not to be excessively destructive or harmful. It’s a command to restrain yourself. “…neither bereave thy nations any more…” – This reinforces the idea of restraint. It's about using your power responsibly and not taking more than is needed to harm others. It’s saying that you shouldn’t be exploiting people for personal gain or causing them suffering. The bigger picture: This verse speaks to a few key themes: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control of everything, including how we use our power and resources. Responsibility: We have a responsibility to act with care and consideration for others. Restraint: It's about avoiding excessive or harmful actions. In short, it’s a call for humility and wisdom – to use your abilities responsibly and avoid causing harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context around this passage in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean in terms of our relationship with others?

Definition: Neither will I cause [men] to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:15. It's a really important and somewhat surprising passage about God’s intention for Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is deliberately trying to protect and preserve Israel from the negative impact of judgment and shame, both from other nations and from within itself. Let’s unpack it part by part: “Neither will I cause [men] to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more…” This means God isn't going to continue to allow people to criticize or speak negatively about Israel, even when they are being punished. He's setting a boundary against those who would spread negativity and judgment. “…neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more…” This is a bit more complex. It’s not that God doesn't care about the people. Instead, it means he’s actively working to prevent the Israelites from being constantly burdened by the negative attention and reputation they receive from other nations. Think of it like a shadow – it’s always there, but it doesn’t cause harm. “…nor shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more…” This is the most significant part. It suggests that God is actively trying to prevent Israel from suffering the consequences of their actions or decisions - whether it's war, political turmoil, or other problems. He wants to shield them from a cycle of destruction and hardship. In simpler terms: God is safeguarding Israel by preventing them from being constantly subjected to judgment and shame from others. He’s actively working to keep them safe and prosperous. Why is this important? This verse speaks to themes of protection, divine intervention, and a desire for peace and stability. It highlights that God isn't just passively watching events; he’s taking steps to prevent things from getting worse for Israel. Does this mean God doesn't care about the Israelites? Absolutely not! This verse is about preventing harm, not denying God’s love or concern for his people. It emphasizes God’s careful watch and protection. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its connection to the Exodus)? Provide context about what Ezekiel 36:15 was originally written about?

Definition: Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very short but significant verse from Ezekiel 36:16: “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying…” Basically, it means: God is speaking to Ezekiel, and He’s telling him something important. Here's a more detailed explanation: “Moreover” : This word emphasizes that this isn't just a casual statement. It’s a key part of the verse – it highlights that God is adding something to what Ezekiel already knows or suspects. It suggests a significant revelation. “The word of the LORD came unto me” : This is the core of the message. "The Lord" refers to God, and “the word of the Lord” means God’s communication – His instructions, wisdom, promises, or teachings. So, what does this suggest? This verse sets the stage for a significant shift in Ezekiel’s understanding. It's like a message from God that is revealing a new truth. It suggests: God is communicating: He’s actively trying to tell Ezekiel something. A change is coming: The verse implies that there will be a transformation or a revelation of something important. Why is this important? This is often seen as a foundational moment in Ezekiel's journey, marking the beginning of his understanding of God’s plan for Israel and for the nation as a whole. It’s a sign that God is working to restore His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse? (e.g., its context in Ezekiel's story?) Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a larger biblical passage?

Definition: Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:17. It’s a really important and complex passage that speaks to a significant shift in God’s plan for Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a period of intense sin and disrespect towards God and His people, particularly concerning the Israelites’ relationship with the land they were living on. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 36:17” : This refers to a specific vision or message from Ezekiel, a prophet who lived around 185 AD. It’s a prophetic account about God’s plan for the future. "Son of man..." : This is a title given to Ezekiel, signifying his role as a messenger from God. "...when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land..." : This immediately tells us we're talking about the Israelites – the nation they were living under – and their time on their land. "...they defiled it..." : This is the key part. "Defile" means to pollute, ruin, or desecrate something. The Israelites were acting in a way that was harmful to the land and its people. They weren’t just being careless; they were actively disrespecting God's creation and His instructions. "...by their own way..." : This refers to their actions – perhaps their laws, traditions, or even their relationship with the land itself – which were leading them astray. "...and by their doings..." : This emphasizes that it wasn’t just what they were doing, but how they were doing it. It was a pattern of behavior that went against God's will. "Their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman." This is where it gets really profound. The image of "the uncleanness of a removed woman" is incredibly powerful. It compares their actions to a situation with a woman who has been abandoned or treated poorly – someone who isn’t properly cared for and feels unwanted. This symbolizes: A broken relationship: They were estranged from God, not through sincere repentance, but through their own flawed behavior. A lack of respect: The verse suggests they didn’t treat the land with reverence or humility – they were treating it as a prize to be taken and exploited. Overall Meaning & Significance This verse is essentially saying that for a significant period in Israel's history, the Israelites had been acting in a way that was fundamentally disrespectful and harmful to God and His creation. It marked a turning point towards a future where they would begin to understand and love their God and his land again. It’s a call to repentance and a promise of restoration. In short: Ezekiel 36:17 warns about a period of spiritual decay in Israel when they were acting like a spoiled, disrespectful woman – a result of their own flawed ways. It's a foreshadowing of the eventual return to God’s grace and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history? Discuss what this verse might symbolize on a deeper level (like sin, repentance, or redemption)?

Definition: Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols [wherewith] they had polluted it:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Ezekiel 36:18. It's a really significant passage about God’s anger and judgment against those who have corrupted His creation. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Ezekiel was essentially giving a very harsh warning to a group of people in Babylon (a city then occupied by the Persians). They were worshipping idols – figures made of stone, wood, or metal – and had been polluting the land with their worship. Basically, they’d been making offerings and rituals to these idols, and that was causing damage and trouble. What Happened? God, in His immense anger and justice, poured his fury (a very intense and powerful feeling of rage) upon them. He didn't just be angry; he deliberately inflicted a terrible punishment – “blood that they had shed upon the land” – and “for their idols [wherewith] they had polluted it.” What Does It Mean? “Wherefore I poured my fury…” : This is God’s opening statement - He's not just upset; he’s actively unleashing his wrath. “…upon them…” : This means God is directly targeting those people who were polluting the land. “…for the blood that they had shed upon the land…” : This refers to the sacrifices, offerings, and rituals they've been performing to these idols. It’s a clear indication of their actions causing harm. "...and for their idols [wherewith] they had polluted it:” This is the core of the verse. The “idols” are being described as having contaminated the land. This contamination isn't just physical; it’s a spiritual and moral corruption – a way of worshipping something that wasn’t God. It suggests they were prioritizing idol worship over true devotion to Him. The Message & Significance: This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s holiness and His desire for righteousness. It's not just about punishing the people; it’s about demonstrating God’s judgment on those who are rejecting His truth and turning away from Him. It speaks to: The importance of purity: God wants a pure heart and a righteous life, and this verse highlights how those who worship idols are not living in accordance with His will. Divine Justice: It shows that God is just and will hold people accountable for their choices, even when they're engaging in things we might consider foolish or misguided. In short, Ezekiel 36:18 is a dramatic statement of God’s judgment against those who have corrupted His creation with idolatry. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide a more detailed example of what "pollution" might look like? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?