Definition: For [so] it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really important passage in the Bible that tells us about a significant turning point in Israel's history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “God sent them out of Egypt and gave them a long, hard time of trial. They messed up badly by worshiating other gods instead of Him.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "For [so] it was..." : This is an introductory phrase that sets the stage – it's explaining why this happened. "...the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God..." : This means they disobeyed God in a big way. They weren’t being respectful or following His rules. Think of it like arguing with someone who’s been good to you – that’s disobeying! "...from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt..." : This is where it gets even more important. Pharaoh was the ruler of Egypt, and he was controlling the Israelites. He was forcing them into a difficult situation. "...and had feared other gods." : This reveals that they weren’t just disobeying God; they were also turning away from Him by worshiping other deities – gods made by humans. So, putting it all together: The Israelites disobeyed God and treated him badly, which led to them being enslaved in Egypt and needing to be separated from their homeland. They then turned to other gods instead of worshipping the one true God. Why was this a big deal? It’s considered a major turning point because it marked the beginning of their long journey out of slavery and into exile, ultimately leading to a period of hardship and separation from their ancestral land. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a crucial step towards God's plan for Israel to return home to the Promised Land. It highlights that disobedience without repentance leads to consequences. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps go over a specific aspect like its significance in the story of the Israelites’ exodus? Just let me know!