Definition: [But] if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments [and] my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 9:6. It’s a pretty serious warning about the dangers of disobeying God’s laws. Here's a simple explanation: What it means in plain language: “If you stop following me, and don’t obey my rules and laws, and worship other gods, then you and your children will go into eternal punishment.” Let’s unpack the key parts: "But if ye shall at all turn from following me..." : This is a very strong statement. It means you've made a choice to reject God’s guidance. It’s not just about a small disagreement; it's a complete and active refusal. "...ye or your children..." : This refers to both you and your descendants – all your family members. It emphasizes that this is a personal decision affecting everyone connected to you. "...and will not keep my commandments [and] my statutes which I have set before you" : This is the core of the warning. "Commandments" means rules and laws God has given. “Statutes” are like specific instructions or laws. The verse says you won't follow these rules. "...but go and serve other gods..." : This directly prohibits worshipping any deities other than the one God has established. "...and worship them:" : This is a direct command – you must actively worship these false gods. What’s happening here? The Old Testament (specifically, the book of 1 Kings) describes a time when King David made a terrible mistake by forming alliances with foreign gods. God sent prophets to warn him about this and his people. This verse is essentially saying that if you continue down that path – rejecting God, disobeying His laws, and worshiating false idols – it will lead to devastating consequences for you and your family. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against idolatry (worship of idols) and emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commands completely. It's a serious message about obedience and divine authority. In short, this verse is a powerful call to repentance – to stop rejecting God’s guidance and return to following His laws. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail? Give you some examples of the commandments mentioned? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament?