Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 6:11. It’s a really powerful warning about the dangers facing Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: God is sending a very serious message to Israel – a message of impending doom and destruction. He’s telling them to be prepared for terrible consequences if they continue down a path of wickedness. Let's unpack the parts: “Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This sets the scene - it’s God speaking directly, with authority. “…Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel!” : This is where it gets serious. He's commanding them to actively punish those who are causing harm. "Evil abominations" means harmful or wicked practices. “Stamp with thine hand” – this suggests a forceful punishment – and “say, Alas for all the evil…” - This is a lament, a mournful cry expressing sorrow and regret. It's a lament for the suffering caused by their actions. “…for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.” : This is the result of God’s punishment. He’s predicting that Israel will suffer greatly due to: The Sword: Violence – war, conflict, and bloodshed. The Famine: A severe lack of food and water. The Pestilence: Disease – illness and death. Overall Interpretation: God is saying that if Israel doesn’t stop its wickedness and continue to act in a way that harms itself and others, they will face devastating consequences. It’s a clear warning about the need for repentance and change. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a call for immediate action and repentance. It's not just saying "don't do this." It’s saying “because of your actions, you will suffer terrible things.” Essentially, it’s a judgment from God about the consequences of evil behavior. --- Would you like me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Give you some context about the history of this verse and its significance within the Bible?