Definition: Because they have done [that which was] evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and sobering passage from the Book of Kings. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s deep disappointment and anger with a specific group of people – the Israelites – because they’ve been consistently wrong and disrespectful to him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Because they have done [that which was] evil in my sight…” This is the core of the message. “Evil in my sight” means God saw their actions as morally wrong, sinful, or rebellious against his will. It's a judgment from him – he’s not just disappointed; he's seeing something truly wrong. “…and have provoked me to anger…” This is a strong statement of God’s displeasure. He’s feeling frustrated and angry because they haven't been obedient or right with him. Think of it like when you accidentally break something – it makes you feel upset. God feels that way too! “since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt…” This is a crucial part. It connects this to a very long and difficult history. The Israelites were exiled from Egypt, meaning they left their home and began a long journey. This verse says it’s been a long time since that point – almost 2000 years! It highlights how long it's been since they broke his rules and disobeyed him. “even unto this day.” This emphasizes the permanence of God’s anger. He hasn’t forgotten what happened; he still feels a strong sense of displeasure. It means their actions continue to be seen as wrong now . What does it mean for us today? This verse is a reminder that: God sees everything: He's aware of our choices and actions, even the small ones. His judgment isn’t always immediate: It can take a long time for God to react to our behavior. We are accountable to Him: We are responsible for our choices and must strive to follow his will. In short, this verse is a warning about disobedience and a reminder of God's unwavering love and justice. --- Important Note: This passage is from a very ancient text, and the context of the time was very different. It’s important to read it with an understanding of that historical setting. Would you like me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss the reasons behind this verse in the Bible? Relate it to a particular story or event in the Old Testament?