Definition: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty serious one and speaks about God’s feelings towards those who are rejecting him. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s intense anger and punishment when people don’t worship him and actively try to provoke him with their wickedness. It’s like saying, “I’m really disappointed and angry because you’re not listening to me.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Because they have forsaken me…” – This means they stopped worshipping God. They didn’t acknowledge him as the source of their being or their purpose in life. It’s like turning away from a loving parent. “…and have burned incense unto other gods…” – This is the major part. They were making offerings (incense) to other gods, trying to get God's attention and make him angry. Think of it as trying to bribe or manipulate him with something else. “that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands…” – This is a bit more figurative. "Works of their hands" means everything they do – their building, their art, their rituals, their lives. They were trying to distract God and make him angry by doing things that weren’t about worshiping Him. “Therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place…” – This is a strong statement: God's anger is going to start . “Wrath” means intense fury and judgment. “…and shall not be quenched.” - This is the crucial part. It’s like saying that God’s anger won’t stop, it will continue until things are righted or the situation is resolved. What does this mean for us? The verse speaks to a serious warning about: Disobedience: It's about disobeying God’s commands and not honoring him. Wickedness: It highlights that actively seeking to provoke God through evil or disrespect is wrong. God’s Justice: It shows that God will ultimately judge those who reject Him and cause harm to His people. Important Note: This verse describes a past event . It doesn't mean that God is angry with us right now . He is always watching over his people and has the power to punish those who are not faithful. It’s a reminder of how important it is to keep seeking Him and to live a life pleasing to him. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/2 Kings/22:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/2 Kings/22:17) The Bible Project - Wrath: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9q-U8Q6zE0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9q-U8Q6zE0) (A visual explanation of the verse’s meaning.) --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., "I'm trying to understand why God is so angry," or "I want to know what it means in the context of my life.")