Definition: But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 3:27. It’s a pretty powerful and important passage about leadership and obedience. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God will directly speak to leaders – particularly those in positions of authority – and he will give them the power to directly command people to do what He wants. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a firm instruction. Let's look at it piece by piece: “But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth…” – This is a key part. God is going to directly communicate with someone in charge. It’s like a direct conversation or instruction coming from above. “…and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear:” – This is where the power comes into play. God will give a clear command to those in charge. He’ll tell them exactly what to do. “Let him hear” means to listen carefully and understand the instructions. "Let him forbear" means to stop doing something. “for they [are] a rebellious house.” – This is the crucial part that highlights the problem. The verse uses the word “rebellious,” which means defying or opposing God's will. It refers to people who are actively disobeying God’s commands. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It’s telling those leaders – and especially those in positions of power – that they have a responsibility to actively enforce God’s laws and commands. If they don't listen or obey, God will make it clear that they are in trouble. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and accountability. Why is this important? This verse highlights a serious warning about leadership. It suggests that those in positions of power must be vigilant and ensure their followers follow God’s instructions without question. It's not just about following rules; it's about actively resisting anything that goes against what God has commanded. In short, this verse is a strong statement about the authority of God and the consequences of disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Relate this verse to a specific situation or story (like the story of Moses)?