Definition: And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 2:13. It’s a really important one because it describes a serious turning away from God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: In the Book of Judges, the Israelites were facing a terrible problem – they were being plagued by bad luck, sickness, and storms. Their leaders, particularly King Eglon, were making decisions that weren’t guided by God’s will. They started to worship other gods – Baal and Ashtaroth – instead of worshipping Yahweh (God). What it Means in Plain English: “They abandoned the Lord and served these other gods. They stopped listening to what God told them, and they began to focus on things that weren’t from Him.” Here's a breakdown of the key ideas: Abandoned the Lord: This means they stopped showing respect and obedience to Yahweh. They weren't praying to him, following his instructions, or listening to his messages. Served Baal and Ashtaroth: This is the core of the problem. These were false gods – deities that weren’t part of the real God of Israel. They offered sacrifices, worshipped them, and generally behaved in ways that didn't align with God's laws and principles. Why was this a big deal? It led to suffering: Their lack of faith caused terrible problems for them – they were constantly attacked by enemies, and their land became barren. It showed a lack of trust: They weren’t trusting in God's protection or guidance. It was a turning away from God’s plan: The Bible says this wasn't just a momentary lapse; it was a deliberate choice to reject the true God. Important Note: This verse is a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping false gods and neglecting the true God. It's a crucial moment in the story of Israel’s history, leading to a period of testing and ultimately, a time of deliverance from their enemies. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more context? Give you some examples of what idolatry looks like? Talk about the significance of this verse in the larger story of Israel’s history?