Definition: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that [are] round about you, [and] have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that [are] round about you;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 5:7. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage with a lot of layers, but here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying God is disappointed with the Israelites’ behavior – specifically, their growing population and lack of obedience to his laws and rules. Let’s break it down word by word: “Ezekiel 5:7 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD…” - This establishes who is speaking – Ezekiel, a prophet in the book of Ezekiel. He's speaking from a position of authority. “…Because ye multiplied more than the nations that [are] round about you.” - This is the core of the problem. "The nations that are around you" refers to all the other countries and peoples surrounding Israel. “More than” means they’ve grown significantly bigger – perhaps through conquest, expansion, or influence. “[and] have not walked in my statutes…” - This is a direct command. God is saying, “You’ve disobeyed me.” He's referring to his laws and commandments. “…neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that [are] round about you.” – This expands on the previous point. It means they haven't followed God's rules or been obedient to his decisions, even when those decisions are important for their survival and well-being. It highlights a failure to honor God’s will in a way that protects them. Putting it all together - The core message: God is expressing disappointment because the Israelites have grown too large and powerful, and they've become too reliant on other nations, rather than following his guidance and rules. He wants them to be focused on pleasing him and protecting themselves. What’s the big takeaway? This verse warns against arrogance, excessive expansion, and neglecting God's laws. It highlights that true strength comes from obedience, not from growing too big or powerful. It’s a reminder that God-centered living is crucial for prosperity and security. --- To help me explain this further to you, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Is there a particular aspect of the verse that you'd like me to elaborate on?) Are you interested in understanding its historical context or why it’s important for Christians today?