Definition: And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 10:16. It’s a really important message about God’s judgment and faithfulness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a time when there was a big problem – people were worshipping strange gods and idols instead of focusing on the true, living God. These gods weren't worshipped as sacred beings; they were just random objects or symbols that people thought would bring them happiness or protection. What happened? The Israelites Were Being Dwelled On: The Israelites were in a situation where they were being influenced by these strange gods, and it was causing trouble. God’s Response: God, who is the ultimate judge, saw this wrongness and decided to take action. He sent his messengers – the Judges – to stop them. They Were Put Away: The Judges went into a serious situation, and they effectively removed these strange gods from among the Israelites. It’s like taking down a dangerous threat! They Served the LORD: This is key. The Judges weren't just removing the gods; they were turning their attention to God . They started to worship Him and focus on His will and guidance. God Was Troubled (Grieved): The Bible says God felt sad or grieved because he saw this situation was causing suffering for Israel. He wasn’t happy with the way things were going. What does it mean? This verse is a reminder that: God's Justice is Powerful: He doesn’t tolerate wrongdoing. Trust in God is Essential: It tells us to trust in God and turn away from anything that isn’t of Him. Focus on the True God: It emphasizes the importance of worshipping God as the central focus of our lives, not relying on things that don't have a real connection to him. In short, it’s about God’s judgment and His desire to protect His people by removing anything that is leading them astray. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Would you like me to relate it to a specific event or theme in the Bible?