Definition: And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 9:4. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic passage about judgment and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending a message to a leader (likely a king or ruler) in Jerusalem – specifically, to a man named Ezekiel. He's telling him to actively observe and document all the suffering and wrongdoing happening within the city. He’s essentially saying, “Pay attention to what people are complaining about and doing wrong.” Let’s break it down word by word: “And the LORD said unto him…” : This establishes a divine instruction – God is speaking directly to this person. “…Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem…” : This isn't just a simple observation. It means to completely go through every part of the city, covering its entire area. It’s a thorough and comprehensive survey. “And set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” : This is the core instruction. He's to mark – to write down – on the foreheads of everyone who expresses sorrow, complaint, or worry about something wrong. “Abominations” means things considered evil or forbidden by God. What does this mean practically? This verse paints a picture of a city grappling with serious problems. It suggests that: God is aware: He’s noticing the suffering and negativity. He's holding people accountable: The mark on the foreheads implies a judgment or consequence for those who engage in wrongdoing. It’s a warning: The verse highlights the importance of addressing problems before they escalate and cause more harm. Context & Significance: This passage is found within Ezekiel’s prophetic book, which was written during a time of great political turmoil and unrest in Israel. Ezekiel was essentially delivering a message of judgment and calling for repentance. It's a powerful warning about the consequences of sin and the need for righteousness. In short, it’s telling someone to be vigilant and actively watch for problems within a city – because God is watching and judging. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Give you a related story or example of how this verse might have been interpreted at the time?