Definition: So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and powerful statement about God’s character and how He wants to be seen. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “God is going to reveal His name (His unique identity) to the people of Israel – and he’s going to make sure they don’t disrespect or pollute that name.” Let's unpack that a little further: "So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel..." - This means God is going to clearly show Himself and His identity to the Israelites (the Jewish people). “Holy” here refers to God’s character – being perfect, righteous, and separate from the world. "The midst of my people" suggests He's going to be prominent and visible to them. "...and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more..." - This is a warning! It means that God isn’t going to tolerate anyone trying to disrespect or corrupt His name. “Pollute” means to make something dirty, impure, or harmful. "...and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel." - This is the crucial part. “Heathens” are people outside of God’s covenant (a special agreement between God and His chosen people). “The LORD” refers to God himself. “Holy One in Israel” means that God is uniquely and eternally connected to the Israelites, and He’s the one who is truly holy. The verse basically says: "I am God, and I am completely dedicated to revealing my identity and upholding my character." In a nutshell: God is going to be very visible and respected to the people of Israel, and he's committed to protecting His name from any kind of disrespect or corruption. Why is this important? This verse is a cornerstone of Jewish theology. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty, holiness, and commitment to protecting His character. It also speaks to the importance of honoring God through righteousness and avoiding sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail about the concept of “holy name”? Discuss what this verse has meant throughout history? Give you a little context – like where this passage appears in the Bible?