Definition: Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 2:11. It’s a really serious warning about a group of people in ancient Israel. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Judah is the Problem: The verse focuses on Judah (which was part of Israel) – a nation that has been acting very badly and betraying God’s trust. Deceit & An Abomination: “Deceit” means lying or being dishonest. “An abomination” means something terrible, shocking, and wrong. The verse describes a situation where Judah has been actively deceiving others (lying) and has committed something deeply offensive to God. It’s Happening in Two Places: This isn't just happening somewhere . It’s happening in two important places: Israel: The entire nation of Israel is involved – the land they lived on, the people they were ruled by, and everything they did. Jerusalem: A specific location within Jerusalem – it’s a place of great importance to them. What’s Wrong? Profaning the Holiness of God: “Holy” means God is right, perfect, and wonderful. The verse says Judah has profaned this holiness. This means they have broken God's rules, disobeyed him, and not honored his will. It’s like a deep disrespect towards something sacred to God. Married the Daughter of a Strange God: This is the most shocking part. It suggests that Judah has started worshipping a god or deity – a foreign god – instead of worshipping Yahweh (God) as they were supposed to. This is a massive betrayal and shift in their religion. The Consequences - A Warning A Mistake That Will Hurt Everyone: The verse clearly states that this action will have devastating consequences for everyone, including Judah itself. It’s not just about Judah; it's about the entire nation and its future. Judgment Coming: The verse anticipates a judgment from God – a punishment for their sins. In short, Malachi 2:11 is a powerful warning about a nation that has fallen into sin and rebellion against God, leading to a terrible outcome. Important Note: This is a complex passage in the Bible. It's often interpreted as a condemnation of Israel’s history, but it also speaks to the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some context about the time this passage was written? Talk about what this verse might be telling us about human responsibility and sin?