Definition: And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 1:45 – it's a really important verse with a lot of meaning. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: Basically, this verse is about God’s distance from humanity. Here’s what it means word-for-word and then we'll explore the bigger picture: “And ye returned…” – This refers to the Israelites, who had disobeyed God repeatedly. They had been wandering in sin and disobedience for a long time. “…and wept before the LORD” - It’s not just sadness; it’s a deep, heartfelt sorrow. Think of it like someone feeling incredibly sorry about their mistakes. “But the LORD would not hearken to your voice…” – This is the core of the verse. God wanted to listen and help them, but He didn't. He wasn’t willing to be involved in their problems. So, what does it mean practically? It means that God was disappointed with the Israelites because they weren't listening to Him. He felt a sense of sadness and frustration when they refused to obey His commands. It highlights that God is serious about his relationship with people and demands respect and obedience. The bigger picture: This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible – it’s about the covenant between God and Israel. A covenant is like a promise or agreement. God made this promise to them, and they broke it. This verse shows that God will hold firm to his promises even when people fail to keep theirs. It’s a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obeying God's will. In short: God was sad with the Israelites for not listening to Him, and He didn't want to help them. --- Would you like me to explain any of these points further? For example, we could delve into: The context of this verse within the larger story of Israel’s history? What it means in terms of God’s justice and mercy?