Definition: And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from Ezekiel 3:22. Itโs a really significant and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense guidance and instruction from God. Basically, God is speaking directly to someone โ we can assume this person is Ezekiel โ and telling him to go on a journey. Letโs unpack the details: โAnd the hand of the LORD was there upon meโ : This is a metaphor. "Hand" represents a powerful and guiding force. It suggests that God isn't just speaking; He is actively involved in this encounter. โโฆand he said unto meโฆโ : This is key. Itโs like God is saying, โI am communicating with you.โ What does the verse really mean? This is a bit of a puzzle for many people to interpret. The most common and widely accepted understanding is this: Ezekiel was in a difficult situation: Ezekiel was facing a serious challenge โ likely related to judgment or a crisis within the Jewish community. God needed to help him: God was sending a message to guide Ezekiel, perhaps to offer him some reassurance, advice, or a path forward. The instruction is a promise: It's not just any guidance; itโs a promise of assistance and direction. So, what does this about the "plain"? The verse doesn't explicitly say what the โplainโ is. However, it strongly implies that Ezekiel needed to go out into the wilderness or open space โ a place where he could speak with God face-to-face. This could represent: A spiritual journey: Itโs about seeking deeper understanding and guidance for his life. Seeking divine wisdom: He was looking for a solution to a problem, and God offered him the opportunity to receive help. In short, this verse is a beautiful expression of God's presence and His willingness to communicate with someone in need. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%203%2C%2022](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%203%2C%2022) - This provides a direct translation and context. The Bible Project: [https://thebibletrend.com/2018/06/29/ezekiel-3-22/](https://thebibletrend.com/2018/06/29/ezekiel-3-22/) - This offers a visual and insightful explanation of the verse's meaning. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in a particular context (like the Jewish story of Ezekiel)?