Definition: But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:9. It’s a really important passage about God’s judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But hast done evil above all that were before thee…” – This is the core of the verse. It’s saying that Israel (the nation of Judah) has been acting in a very bad way, and they have gone beyond what was acceptable to God. “Above all that were before thee” means they've been particularly rebellious or disrespectful. “…for thou hast gone and made thee other gods…” – This is the crucial part. The verse states that Israel has created other gods . This is a direct condemnation of idolatry - worshipping anything other than God. It’s saying they are now focusing on creating their own images, idols, to provoke God's anger. “…and molten images…” – “Molten” means fiery or burning. So, these gods aren’t just simple objects; they’re depicted with a fiery quality, suggesting they’re not benevolent or good. "...to provoke me to anger..." - This is the direct consequence . God is deeply angered by this behavior because it shows a lack of respect and devotion to him. He's feeling wounded and upset. “…and hast cast me behind thy back.” – This is a very dramatic image. It means that God has deliberately removed Israel from his presence, leaving them feeling isolated, forsaken, and abandoned. It’s like he’s pushing them away and showing them how unloved they are. What does it mean in general? This verse paints a picture of a nation deeply flawed by their own choices. It's a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping idols instead of God. It highlights that when people prioritize other things over obeying God’s law, it leads to serious consequences. In short: Israel was acting incredibly wrong and provoking God’s anger. This verse describes a painful punishment for their disobedience. Important Context (Briefly): This passage is part of a larger story in the Old Testament about the kings of Israel and their relationship with God. It sets the stage for the future, where God will ultimately judge Israel and bring about a period of repentance and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible?