Definition: And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, [that] they returned, and corrupted [themselves] more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 2:19. It’s a really important warning about the dangers of disobedience and idolatry. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a serious problem where people who were previously under the leadership of a judge – essentially, someone in charge – started to disobey God and worship other gods. It's like a chain reaction of bad behavior that goes way beyond just ignoring rules. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 2:19” : This tells us what happened . It’s about the aftermath of the death of a judge. “[that] they returned…” : This means the people who were previously under the judge's rule started to go back and do things that weren't right. They weren’t just following rules anymore; they returned to a way of life that was displeasing to God. “corrupted [themselves] more than their fathers…” : This is the core of the problem. It means these people were significantly worse off than those who had been under the judge’s authority before. They went further down a path of wickedness and disobedience. Think of it like a huge, escalating mistake. “in following other gods to serve them…” : This is the specific thing they started doing. They began worshipping other gods – gods that weren’t God himself. It wasn't just about not being faithful; they were actively seeking out and worshiping idols. “and to bow down unto them…” : This highlights their attitude – a desire to be subservient to these foreign gods. They were willing to give up their faith in God and embrace a different way of life. “they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.” : This is the most important part . They didn’t stop with just worshipping other gods – they continued doing bad things, and they stubbornly refused to change their course. They were acting on a deep-seated resistance to God's will. What does this mean for us today? This verse is a warning about the importance of obedience to God. It reminds us that: Disobedience can have serious consequences: It’s not just about breaking rules; it’s about rejecting God and his guidance. We must stay faithful: We are called to follow God's commands and remain true to our faith, even when it’s difficult. We need to resist temptation: It’s easy to fall into bad habits or choices that we know are wrong – this verse encourages us to be vigilant against those temptations. In short, Judges 2:19 is a story about a kingdom that strayed from God and became corrupted by idolatry. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse relates to modern-day issues?