Definition: So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Hosea 10:15. It’s a really powerful and sobering verse from the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and consequences for serious sin. It’s saying that if a community or nation (Bethel) has been incredibly wicked – truly lost its way – they will suffer terrible results. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So shall Bethel do unto you…” : This refers to the people of Bethel, a city near Jerusalem. It’s like saying “This happens to you.” “…because of your great wickedness…” : "Great wickedness" means serious, profound wrongdoing – things that go very far beyond just minor mistakes or disobedience. It's something that shows a complete lack of righteousness and respect for God. Think of it as a really big, awful moral failing. “In a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.” : This is the shocking part! "The king of Israel" means the entire nation of Israel – all their leaders, priests, and people. “Utterly” means completely and completely. It’s like saying they will be completely destroyed and wiped out. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of: Disobedience to God: It suggests that when people turn away from God and live in sin, they are bringing shame and destruction upon themselves and others. Uncontrolled pride: It implies that excessive pride or arrogance can lead to terrible consequences. Moral decay: It points to a society that has lost its way spiritually and is drifting towards darkness. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explain exactly what caused the wickedness of Bethel. However, it’s often seen as a consequence of their actions – a direct result of their moral failings. In short, this verse paints a picture of devastating judgment for those who have fallen from grace and are living in a way that is fundamentally wrong before God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Hosea 10:15? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament? Give you a simple analogy to help understand it better?