Definition: And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 35:4. It’s a really important story about betrayal and consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is a young man. He’s living with his uncle Laban in Shechem, a region near the city of Jerusalem. Laban and his family are practicing strange gods. They worship idols – figures made of stone or wood – and have elaborate jewelry (earrings, necklaces, etc.). Jacob sees these strange gods and starts to be jealous. He’s feeling insecure and wants to take what he thinks is rightfully his. What Happened Next: He takes the strange gods from Laban's hands. He picks them up and hides them under a tree. He then moves the trees around, putting the strange gods under a specific oak tree. This oak tree is located near where Jerusalem (and later, the city of Jerusalem) was originally located – a place that’s considered sacred. What it Means – The Big Picture: This verse shows a moment of disrespect and jealousy . Jacob's actions are seen as a betrayal because he takes something that belongs to others – the gifts of worship from these strange gods. It highlights his growing insecurity and desire for power over Laban. Important Note: This story is a key part of the story of Joseph, who later becomes a powerful leader in Egypt. The story explores themes of jealousy, disobedience, and the consequences of actions driven by pride. In short, it’s a story about a young man's reaction to something that makes him feel insecure and leads to a difficult situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?