Definition: For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 3:4. It’s a really important message about the importance of God’s relationship with his people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “The Israelites will live without kings, without princes, without sacrifices, and without images – essentially, they’ll be living in a state of spiritual isolation.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “For the children of Israel…” : This refers to the people of Israel who were living in exile after their rebellion against God. “…shall abide many days…” : This means they're going to be experiencing a long period of hardship and separation from their home, God, and everything familiar. “Without…: ” – This is the key part! The verse lists all sorts of things that would normally be associated with power and authority: Kings: A ruler who holds power over others. Princes: A similar role to a king, but often seen as more powerful. Sacrifice: Religious rituals and offerings that demonstrate devotion and connection to God. An Image: Often represented by idols or symbols of worship – things people look at as gods or figures of importance. Why is this important? The verse is a warning about the Israelites' choices. They were so focused on their own desires and rebellion that they lost sight of God’s will and the true path to righteousness. It suggests that true faith and devotion are built on a relationship with God, not on things that seem powerful or important to them. The message behind it is about: Rejection of Self-Reliance: It's a call for people to turn away from their own ways and seek God’s guidance rather than relying solely on their own strength or authority. A Return to the Source: It’s a reminder that true connection with God requires a shift in perspective – moving away from things that seem important but ultimately distract us from Him. In short, Hosea 3:4 is telling us to focus on what truly matters – God and His relationship with us. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further? Give you a different example of this verse in context?