Definition: And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:38. It’s a really important part of understanding God’s relationship with His people. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to seriously respect and keep your commitment to God, and to not worship anything else besides Him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget…” – This means God has given you a special promise or agreement. Think of it like a binding deal. He’s making a commitment to you and your people. “…neither shall ye fear other gods.” – This is the crucial part! It's saying that you must never turn away from God and abandon him completely. “Fear” here means to be afraid, worried, or apprehensive. This verse warns against worshiating any other deities – anything else – because it’s a direct rejection of God’s authority. What does this mean practically? It's about obedience: It emphasizes that you must follow God’s instructions and laws. It’s about loyalty: You are obligated to respect and obey God’s will. It’s a fundamental principle of faith: It’s a cornerstone of the religious beliefs of the Israelites in ancient times, and it continues to be central to many faiths today. Why is this important? This verse is often associated with the time when God promised David his throne and that he would rule over all Israel. It's a reminder that God’s love and commitment are absolute and should not be challenged. In short, it’s a powerful warning to stay faithful to God and always honor Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like obedience)?