Definition: And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain [men] before your idols.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty serious one, and it speaks about judgment and consequences. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse comes from the Book of Ezekiel, which was written during a time of great crisis and upheaval for the Jewish people in Egypt. Basically, it describes God’s plan to punish those who are disrespectful or evil towards Him. Let's unpack each part: “Ezekiel 6:4” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It’s a direct statement from Ezekiel. “And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken…” : This means God is saying that places dedicated to worship – your temples, shrines, or any representation of God – will become empty and unusable. It's like a place where offerings are no longer made. "...and I will cast down your slain [men] before your idols.” : This is the key part. It means God will actively punish those who worship idols (representations or images of people, gods, or deities). He’ll take the lives of people who are offering sacrifices or devotion to these idols and throw them into a place where they will be shown the consequences of their actions. What does this mean in practical terms? It's about rejecting God: This verse is a strong warning against worshipping anything other than God. It’s saying that if you are focusing on things that aren't truly sacred and don't honor God, you are inviting negative consequences. It's about accountability: God isn't just punishing people; He's holding them accountable for their actions and choices. By desecrating places of worship, they’re demonstrating a lack of respect for the divine. Important Context (Briefly): Ezekiel was facing a difficult situation in Egypt where his people were being oppressed. This verse is often interpreted as a call to repentance – a plea for those who are wrong to turn back and repent of their ways before God’s judgment falls upon them. It's a reminder that true worship must be rooted in reverence and devotion to the one true God. In short, this verse warns against idolatry and promises divine justice when those who mock or disrespect the sacred will face serious consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some examples of what "idolatry" might look like? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories and teachings in the Bible?