Definition: According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 39:24. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s judgment on the people of Judah (the area around Jerusalem) during the reign of King Jehoiash. It says that God has done something very unpleasant – he has allowed them to become dirty and sinful – and he has hidden his face from them, meaning he is completely distant and unwilling to forgive or comfort them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “According to their uncleanness…” - This means that the people of Judah were already dirty, perhaps through sin and wrongdoing. It suggests a history of moral failings. “…and according to their transgressions…” - "Transgressions" is a fancy word for wrongdoings – things they did that broke God’s law or violated his will. "...have I done unto them, and hidden my face from them." - This is the core of the verse. God has allowed these people to be in a terrible state – they are dirty, sinful, and he is completely unwilling to look at them favorably. He’s deliberately withdrawing his presence and affection. It's like he's turning away from them, as if he’s shielding himself from their negativity. What does this mean practically? It suggests a period of intense punishment and separation for the people of Judah. It implies that God is actively choosing to punish them, distancing themselves from them, and perhaps even leading them into spiritual darkness. It's a very serious statement about God’s judgment. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God's sovereignty – that he is in control of events, even when it seems like the people are falling apart. However, it also carries a strong sense of distance and abandonment. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example, we could talk about: The context of Ezekiel 39 – what was happening in Judah at that time? The symbolism behind the imagery used (like the "hidden face")? How this verse relates to biblical themes like sin, repentance, and God’s judgment?