Definition: Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 22:13. It's a really important and dramatic passage about God’s anger and the consequences of ignoring his word. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: God is angry: The verse starts with God expressing intense displeasure – “great wrath” – at the Israelites (and Judah, which includes them). It's a very serious feeling of punishment coming from him. He’s asking for help: God isn’t just complaining; he’s asking for someone to investigate and understand what’s happening. He wants to know why he’s so angry. The Problem is Ignoring Him: The core issue is that the Israelites – and particularly their leaders – haven't been listening to God’s instructions and guidance. They’ve been ignoring what he tells them to do. Let's unpack it further: “Go ye, inquire of the LORD…” : This is a command from God. He wants someone to actively seek out His wisdom and understanding. “…for me, and for the people, and for all Judah…” : This focuses on a specific group – the Israelites – and emphasizes that this isn't just a problem affecting them individually; it’s a widespread issue that impacts everything they do. “Judah” refers to the kingdom of Israel. “…concerning the words of this book that is found…” : This is key! The verse speaks about a specific book – the Book of Judges. This book contained important laws, warnings, and instructions for the Israelites. What's the big takeaway? God’s anger isn’t just because they messed up now . It’s because they’ve been consistently ignoring his guidance for a long time. This is a pattern of disobedience that’s leading to serious consequences. It’s like a chain reaction – ignoring one thing leads to another, and so on. In short: God is deeply disappointed with the Israelites' lack of obedience and is unleashing his wrath because they haven’t followed His instructions. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of listening to God's word. It highlights the need for faithfulness and obedience to divine guidance. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its connection to other biblical stories? For example, would you like a deeper look at: The Book of Judges? The concept of God’s judgment?