Definition: Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 44:12. It's a really significant passage about God’s judgment and restoration. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Ezekiel was a prophet who was sent to Israel by God. He noticed that the Israelites were becoming increasingly corrupt and straying away from God. They were worshipping idols, and this was causing problems for them. God decided he needed to take action. What happened next? They ministered unto them: This means they were offering sacrifices and worshiping idols – essentially, they were behaving in a way that wasn’t aligned with God's will. Caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity: “Iniquity” is a fancy word for “sin” or “corruption.” The Israelites were moving away from God’s path and becoming morally bad. Basically, they weren't following His laws and principles. Then, God intervened: Lifted up my hand against them: This is the core of the verse – God directly confronted the people who were causing this problem. ‘Saith the Lord GOD’: This means it’s a direct statement from God Himself. They shall bear their iniquity: This is the most important part. God is saying that He will hold them accountable for their sin and wrongdoing – they will suffer the consequences of their choices. In simpler terms: God, through his prophet Ezekiel, confronted the Israelites with their idolatry (worshiping idols) and their subsequent moral decline. He then took action to punish them, essentially holding them responsible for their actions. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder that God’s judgment is swift and absolute. It's about maintaining righteousness and aligning with God’s will. It emphasizes that God isn't just concerned with punishing people for doing wrong, but also with holding them accountable for their choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Answer any questions you have about it?