Definition: Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: [do they] not [provoke] themselves to the confusion of their own faces?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 7:19. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about how God feels about people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is feeling deeply offended and upset by the actions of certain people. He’s not just annoyed; he’s actively angry at them. Let’s unpack the parts: “Jeremiah 7:19” : This is the verse itself, giving us a specific context – it's about a period of rebellion and wrongdoing. “Do they provoke me to anger?” : This is the key question. God isn't just looking at what they’re doing; he’s asking if their actions are causing him pain and frustration. It suggests that their behavior is irritating or upsetting him . “Sayest the LORD” : This means "The Lord says..." It’s a direct, authoritative statement from God. “[do they] not [provoke] themselves to the confusion of their own faces?” : This is the most crucial part. It's a bit metaphorical, but it means: “Are they causing themselves distress? Are they leading themselves down a path that leads to unhappiness and trouble?” What does this tell us about the situation? It’s about pride and self-righteousness: The verse points to a group of people who are acting in ways that seem arrogant, defiant, and focused on their own importance. They might be seeking attention or trying to prove something wrong. It's about consequences: God isn’t just reacting to the actions themselves; he’s worried about the result – the potential for chaos and destruction caused by this behavior. His anger is a warning. Why is it important? This verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament about Israel's rebellion against God. It's a reminder that even when people act wrongly, God’s judgment can still fall on them. It underscores the importance of humility and turning away from pride. In short: God is deeply troubled by the behavior of those who are causing him pain and distress – they are provoking him to frustration and leading themselves into trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for us today (in terms of our own lives)?