Definition: And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD [already], ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and [there is] fierce wrath against Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:13. It's a really important and complex passage about God’s judgment and the consequences of sin. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is deeply disappointed with his people, Israel, because they are bringing people from Babylon (a powerful nation in ancient Middle East) into their land. It's not just a simple “don’t let them stay” – it’s a warning about the impact of their actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And said unto them…” : This is a formal, authoritative way for God to communicate with his people. He's speaking directly to the leaders of Israel. “…Ye shall not bring in the captives hither…” : "Captives" means people who were taken as prisoners by the Babylonians. “Hither” means "here." So, this means they are being allowed into Israel. "...for whereas we have offended against the LORD [already]…” : This is a crucial part. God is reminding them that they've already broken his rules and commandments. It’s like admitting to a mistake – they’re already on a path of wrongdoing. It emphasizes that this isn't a new offense, but an existing one. "...ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass…” : This is the core of the warning. God sees their actions as increasing their mistakes. He’s saying they are going further down a path of sin – adding more to what they already do wrong. “Sin” in this context refers to disobedience, breaking God's laws, and acting dishonestly. "...for our trespass is great, and [there] is fierce wrath against Israel.” : This is the consequence of their actions. “Great” means very serious and significant. "There" emphasizes that it’s a serious outcome. “Fierce wrath” means God’s intense anger and punishment – a deep, burning displeasure. It's not just mild disapproval; it’s a powerful judgment. In simpler terms: God is deeply upset because Israel is allowing people from Babylon into their land. They are already going wrong, and continuing to welcome them will only make things worse for Israel. God is punishing them with his wrath. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse speaks to a long history of rebellion against God. It’s a reminder that sin and disobedience have consequences, and it's important for people to repent (turn away from their wrongdoings) and seek God's forgiveness. It also highlights the importance of obeying God’s laws as a way of showing reverence and maintaining a good relationship with him. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in biblical history?