Definition: And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 2 Kings 17:20. It's a pretty dramatic and sobering passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is choosing to reject the seed of Israel – meaning all the descendants of Abraham, who were meant to be the nation of Israel – completely. He’s actively making it difficult for them to continue and thrive. Then, after a long period of hardship, God decides he wants to remove them from his presence entirely. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD rejected all the seed…” This means that God, in His infinite wisdom, has decided that He doesn’t want to continue to have Israel as a nation. He’s consciously choosing not to allow their future. “…and afflicted them…” This is a harsh way of saying that God put immense pressure on the Israelites. It wasn't just about hardship; it was about suffering and making it difficult for them to live according to His will. Think of it as a very serious test. “…and delivered them into the hand of spoilers…” “Spoilers” in this context refers to those who were seeking to harm or destroy Israel – whether through war, rebellion, or other forms of malice. God is actively protecting his people from these enemies. “…until he had cast them out of his sight.” This is the most powerful part. God is completely removing them from His presence and favor. He’s declaring that Israel is no longer a blessing to Him. It's like being banished from a place you belong. What does this mean for us today? This verse speaks to a deep, fundamental truth about God’s sovereignty and protection over his people: God’s Protection: It emphasizes that God is actively involved in protecting His chosen people. His Will is Absolute: It shows that God has the ultimate authority and will over his nation. The Importance of Obedience: It can be a reminder to us to live a life that pleases Him – to follow His instructions and remain faithful, even when things are difficult. In short, this verse describes a period of intense hardship for Israel, where God chose to actively push them away from His favor, ultimately leading to their exile. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in the Bible (like the exile)? Talk about what this verse might be saying to us today regarding faith and trust?