Definition: I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye [turned] not to me, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Haggai 2:17. It’s a really important message about God’s care for His people and their work. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Haggai is Called Back: The verse begins with a man named Haggai, who was already working on building a temple in the rebuilt city of Jerusalem. He’s called back to oversee the rebuilding project. God's Concern: God is concerned about what's happening. He sees that the people weren’t listening to him and weren't following his instructions. The Problem: Blasting, Mildew, and Hail: God uses vivid language to describe what happened – he sent down blasting (like a powerful explosion), mildew (a kind of mold), and hail (icy rain). These were all damaging the work. The People Didn’t Listen: The crucial part is that the people didn't turn to God when he was speaking to them. They continued to focus on their own concerns, their own tasks, and didn't listen for guidance or instruction. Putting it Together – What Does It Mean? This verse basically says: God’s judgment is severe when people fail to listen to Him. He's not just angry; he's actively punishing them for ignoring his direction. It’s a warning about the importance of obedience and listening to God’s voice, especially when it comes to important tasks like building a sacred place. The Significance: God’s Authority: It emphasizes that God is in charge and has the right to judge and correct His people. Responsibility: It reminds us that we all have a responsibility to listen to God's guidance, even when it feels inconvenient or difficult. Importance of Obedience: It urges us to be obedient to God’s commands and instructions in our lives – whether it’s in our work, our relationships, or everything else. In short, this verse is a gentle but firm call for people to listen to God's voice and follow his guidance. Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Haggai 2:17 within the larger story of rebuilding the temple? Discuss what "listening" means in a practical sense?