Definition: And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 30:7. It’s a serious warning about our relationship with God and how we should behave. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is telling us to stay on the righteous path and don't stray from God’s will . It warns against disobedience and rebellion against God, particularly when it comes to following our fathers’ traditions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And be not ye like your fathers..." – This means we need to be different than the people who came before us. It’s about rejecting a way of life that’s displeasing to God. "...and like your brethren..." – This refers to our family, our community, or even our own group of people. It's saying we shouldn’t follow the same path as those who haven’t been faithful to God. "...which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers." – This is the crucial part! "Trespassing" means going beyond what’s allowed, violating a rule or boundary. This refers to disobeying God's commands and laws, specifically those given to our ancestors. It suggests a violation of God's will. "[who] therefore gave them up to desolation..." – This is the consequence of this disobedience. "Desolation" means ruin, abandonment, or destruction. It’s implying that disobeying God leads to a bad outcome - a loss of something good and right. So, putting it all together: The verse is saying we should avoid being like our ancestors who disobeyed God. Their actions led to a negative consequence – they were exiled or lost their way. What does this mean for us today? It’s a reminder that: We are accountable to God: We are responsible for following His guidance. We need to stay true to our beliefs and values: Don't compromise your principles just because it's easier or more comfortable. We must respect God's law: Obeying God’s commandments is essential for a good life. In short, the verse urges us to be righteous, faithful, and avoid actions that would lead to a negative outcome – either for ourselves or for those who came before us. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give you an analogy? Explain the historical context (why this verse was written)?