Definition: And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 39:23. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage, and it speaks to a significant period in Israel's history. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Ezekiel’s Vision: The verse comes from a vision Ezekiel receives while he’s overseeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He sees God’s judgment falling on Israel. Israel’s Sin: God is punishing Israel for their sins. Specifically, they've been trespassing – meaning they’ve gone beyond what’s allowed or expected. This trespassing involves actions that are considered morally wrong and disrespectful to God. God’s Hidden Face: After the punishment, God deliberately hides His face from them. It’s like He’s withdrawing from them, becoming silent and distant. Enemy Handover: Finally, God gives them over to their enemies – meaning they become victims of conflict and violence. He allows them to be attacked and defeated. Putting it Together - A Simple Explanation: “The heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.” "The heathen shall know..." - This suggests a widespread recognition of the problem. It’s not just a few individuals; it's a large group of people who have committed wrong. "...their iniquity" - “Iniquity” means moral wrongdoing, wickedness, or sin. It refers to their actions that went against God’s will and principles. "...because they trespassed against me..." – This is the core of the problem. They have violated God's laws and expectations through their behavior. "...hid I my face from them..." - This shows God’s displeasure and withdrawal of His presence with them. He's deliberately keeping them away, as if he doesn’t want to be involved in their problems. "...and gave them into the hand of their enemies..." – This is a terrifying part. They are now vulnerable to attack and destruction by other people. It suggests that they have become targets of violence and conflict. "...so fell they all by the sword." - This is the most direct consequence of their sin. Their actions resulted in death, and they are now victims of warfare. Important Context: This verse is a sobering reminder of God’s justice and his willingness to punish wrongdoing. It speaks to a period of intense conflict and suffering for Israel. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation aims to provide a general understanding of the biblical passage. If you want to delve deeper, I recommend consulting with a theologian or biblical scholar. Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its symbolism)? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?