Definition: Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and important passage about God’s protection and judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people who disobeyed God’s instructions or acted against him were facing serious trouble. God was actively working to stop them, and the result was intense distress for those involved. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Judges 2:15" : This tells us where this happened – it’s a story about a time when people were disobeying God’s rules. It’s not just any situation; it’s a specific instance of trouble. “Whithersoever they went out…” - Imagine them leaving a place. This means they started moving away from God's direction or plan. They strayed from the path He set for them. “…the hand of the LORD was against them for evil…” – This is the key part! "The hand of the Lord" refers to God’s power and protection. It means that He was actively working to hinder or cause trouble for those who disobeyed Him. “Evil” here doesn't necessarily mean a bad intention, but rather a disobedience that went against God’s will. It's like a force opposing them. “as the LORD had said…” - This is a direct quote from God. He was telling them what to do – and he wasn’t happy with their actions. “…and as the LORD had sworn unto them:” - This part emphasizes a binding agreement, like a promise made by God. The Lord has already made a commitment that this situation would be difficult for them. It's important to understand that this wasn’t just a casual warning; it was a promise of trouble. “and they were greatly distressed.” – This is the consequence of being opposed by God. They were in serious trouble, worried, and upset because they weren't following His instructions. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of divine judgment and protection. God isn’t just punishing them; He’s actively working to keep them away from evil and to protect them. It highlights that obedience is crucial and that disobedience brings consequences, and it demonstrates the powerful nature of God's love and control. Think of it like this: Imagine a shepherd watching over his flock. If the sheep stray from the path, the shepherd will gently guide them back, or if they wander too far, he’ll take action to keep them safe. That's what God is doing with those who disobey Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you some examples of how disobedience might lead to trouble (without going into detail)?