Definition: Then shall ye know that I [am] the LORD, when their slain [men] shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 6:13. It’s a pretty serious warning about a dangerous situation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling us that people are turning away from Him and worshipping idols – symbols or representations of something else – too much . He’s saying they’re building them all over the land, in every place imaginable – mountains, trees, even fields. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then shall ye know that I [am] the LORD…” - This establishes that this isn’t just a human observation; God is speaking directly to us. It’s a declaration of authority. “…when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars…” – “Their slain” means their dead . The word "slain" here implies being sacrificed or offered as tribute. So, they’re worshipping the remains of people. "Round about their altars" means they're building them everywhere – on rooftops, in homes, in public places. “…upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak…” - This paints a very vivid picture of where these idols are being built: mountains, hills, trees, and even fields. It’s a widespread and significant concentration. “…the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.” – “Sweet savour” refers to offerings – things like food, drink, or sacrifices – that people give to these idols in hopes of pleasing them. So, the overall message is this: God is watching and concerned about a situation where people are prioritizing meaningless symbols over Him and worshipping them instead of focusing on a relationship with the divine. It’s a warning about spiritual idolatry – placing human things or ideas above God. What does it mean for us today? It's a reminder to: Stay focused on God: Don’t get caught up in worldly things that don’t center around Him. Don’t worship things that don’t honor Him: Be careful about pursuing anything that feels like a substitute for true connection with God. Do you want me to explain any of these parts further, or perhaps explore the context of this verse in more detail? For example, we could talk about why it's significant in biblical history?