Definition: And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 12:12. It’s a bit about a difficult situation with a family! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is troubled: The verse describes Jacob, a man who was very close to his son Israel, as being unhappy and running away from him. He was serving someone else: Instead of focusing on Israel, Jacob was busy working for a woman – a wife. This suggests he was feeling neglected or not getting enough attention. He kept sheep: This is the key part! He was so focused on this new relationship (a wife) that he couldn’t truly focus on his son, Israel. It means he wasn't putting in the effort to nurture and care for him. What it’s saying about the situation: This verse illustrates a few things: Lack of Focus: Jacob was prioritizing something else (a wife) over his son. Unfulfilled Needs: It suggests that Israel needed more attention and love than he was receiving. Potential for Problems: It hints at a potential problem in the family – perhaps Jacob wasn't fully committed to raising Israel. Overall Meaning - A Bit of a Warning: The verse is a gentle warning from Hosea, who’s writing about a broken relationship between God and his people. It suggests that neglecting one’s children (or those closest to them) can lead to problems in the family and community. Important Note: This is just one small part of a larger story in the Bible. It's important to read the entire passage to fully understand the context and its meaning. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further, or would you like me to give you a different verse? For example, we could discuss: The significance of the word "sheep" – what does it symbolize? How this relates to the broader themes of Hosea’s message about justice and reconciliation?