Definition: But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Deuteronomy 30:17. It’s a really important verse about obedience and staying on the right path. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that if you disobey God’s commands, you’ll face serious consequences. It's essentially saying, “If you choose to ignore God’s rules and worship other gods, you will be held accountable for your choices.” Let’s break it down word by word: “But if thine heart turn away…” – This is a warning. It means that if you start to disobey or stray from the path God has shown you, something bad will happen. “…so that thou wilt not hear…” - You’re going to not listen to God's voice and guidance. You won’t pay attention to what He is telling you. "...but shalt be drawn away…” – This is the key part. You are drawn away from the right path, even if you don’t consciously want to. It suggests a pull or temptation that leads you off course. “and worship other gods...” – This means you’ll start worshipping other deities or idols instead of God. "...and serve them;" - This is the most serious part. It means you will be devoted to these false gods and follow their ways, even if they're not righteous. In a nutshell: The verse warns against disobeying God’s laws and choosing to worship other gods. It’s about staying true to your faith and following God’s instructions completely. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that God’s word is sacred, and we have a responsibility to listen to it. Disobeying God can lead to punishment – both in this life and in the afterlife. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Deuteronomy? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of Israel’s history? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?