Definition: And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 2:20. It’s a really important part of understanding the story of Israel's disobedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Imagine Israel was a really good and obedient group of people, following God’s rules. But they started to disobey Him – they weren’t listening to His voice. This led to problems, and eventually, the Lord became very angry with them. Let's unpack it word by word: “And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel…” - This means God was feeling a really strong, fiery anger towards Israel. It wasn’t just a little annoyed; it was a deep, intense displeasure. “…and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers…” – This is the cause of the anger. “Covenant” means an agreement or promise made between two people. The Lord had given Israel promises (a covenant) to their ancestors. These promises were important – they defined how Israel was meant to live and behave. “Has transgressed” means they broke those promises. "...and have not hearkened unto my voice?" - This is the reason for the anger. “Hearkened unto my voice” means they listened to God's instructions and obeyed Him. They didn’t pay attention to what He told them to do. Putting it all together: The verse says that God was deeply disappointed because Israel disobeyed His commands, and they weren’t listening to Him. His anger at them is so strong that it's a burning, destructive feeling. It’s like a volcano waiting to erupt. What does this mean for us today? This story shows us: God’s Justice: God is just and will punish those who disobey His rules. Importance of Obedience: Following God's instructions is very important, because it keeps our relationship with Him strong and safe. The Consequences of Disobedience: Disobeying God can lead to serious problems – like suffering and even death. In short, this verse describes a moment where God’s anger towards Israel was so intense that He felt compelled to punish them for their disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss what this verse might be teaching us about trust and obedience?