Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy [it] for the old hatred;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 25:15. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s anger and judgment. Here's a breakdown in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is feeling deeply hurt by the Philistines’ actions – specifically, their revenge against Israel. He’s saying that they’ve taken vengeance with a “despiteful heart” – meaning with a very angry and unfair attitude. This isn't just a simple disagreement; it’s a deep-seated, malicious act. Let’s unpack the parts: “Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is God speaking directly to us. It’s a formal declaration of his judgment. “…Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart…” : This is the key part. The Bible says because they've done something wrong (dealing by revenge), God is angry. He’s describing a situation where the Philistines are actively trying to harm Israel, but doing so with a really bad, hurtful attitude – it’s not just a simple fight; it's driven by spite and malice. “…to destroy [it] for the old hatred” : "It" refers back to something that was previously a problem between God and Israel. “Old hatred” is a crucial word here. It suggests this wasn’t just a recent disagreement, but a long-standing issue that God feels betrayed by. What does it mean in a nutshell? God is feeling deeply wronged because the Philistines have acted with a truly angry and spiteful attitude. This act of revenge is causing him pain and frustration. It's a warning to the Philistines to stop their actions and repent (turn back to God). Important Context: This verse comes from a time when the Israelites were in a difficult situation, and God was feeling very angry with them for their disobedience. It’s a moment of intense judgment and a reminder that God is watching over his people. Why is this important? It's a reminder that: God cares deeply: His anger is justified because he feels wronged. Actions have consequences: The Philistines’ actions have repercussions for God. We should be mindful of our behavior: It encourages us to strive for righteous living and avoid causing harm to others, as it could trigger God's judgment. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like a deeper dive into the concept of “old hatred”? Or perhaps you’d prefer a simpler explanation? Just let me know!