Definition: And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty serious warning about a significant mistake Israel made. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when Israel abandoned God and started worshipping other gods, they invited a terrible punishment upon themselves. It’s essentially a lament for their choices. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And it shall be answered..." – This suggests that God is actively intervening in this situation. He's not just passively observing; he’s responding to the wrong path they chose. "...Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers..." – “Forsook” means to abandon or reject something you believe in deeply. Israel had completely abandoned following God’s instructions and laws. They weren't just slightly straying; they were actively rejecting him. "...and laid hold on other gods..." – This is the core of the problem. They started worshipping idols, false deities, and other gods instead of focusing on and obeying God. "...and worshipped them, and served them:" – They weren't just observing these gods; they were actively worshipping them, offering sacrifices, and engaging in rituals that went beyond what was appropriate for a relationship with the divine. They treated these false gods as more important than God himself. "...therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them." – This is the consequence of their actions. The verse goes on to say that because they abandoned God, God has sent a great deal of misfortune and suffering upon them. It’s like saying "because of your choices, you will suffer consequences." In short, the verse warns about a major spiritual failing: rejecting God and turning to false gods. It’s a powerful message about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's laws. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many layers of meaning. It’s often interpreted as a warning against idolatry, but it also speaks to the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance and leading a life that isn’t centered on Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Give some context about this event in Israel's history (like the time of King David)? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today?