Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 2:3. It's a really important message about facing challenges and staying strong in the face of adversity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to create a problem or difficulty for a specific group of people (we can assume it's referring to Israel, as Micah is writing from a perspective of judgment). He’s deliberately setting this problem up so that they won’t be able to easily escape it or feel superior to others. It’s designed to test them and make them realize how vulnerable they are. Let’s unpack the parts: “Therefore thus saith the LORD” : This is a direct quote from God, emphasizing the seriousness of what's coming. It’s like God speaking clearly and plainly about something important. “Behold, against this family do I devise an evil…” : “Family” in this context refers to Israel, specifically their leadership, their traditions, or their way of life. This is a crucial part – it's not just any problem; it’s a specific, deliberate challenge. “from which ye shall not remove your necks” : This is the core of the warning. “Removing your necks” means being overwhelmed, defeated, or losing their way. It suggests they might be tempted to become arrogant, complacent, or lose sight of what's truly important. They’re at risk of falling into a position where they can’t escape the problem. “neither shall ye go haughtily” : This is another warning against pride and self-importance. It means they shouldn't feel superior to others or think they are better than them. It warns against thinking they know more or are exempt from hardship. “for this time [is] evil” : This is the key takeaway – it’s not a random event. God is intentionally creating this problem for a specific reason and timeframe. It's a period of difficulty that will be lasting. In essence, the verse is saying: God is preparing a difficult situation for Israel. He knows they are capable of resisting, but he’s deliberately setting up this challenge to test them, remind them of their vulnerability, and ultimately lead them back to God. It's a call to remain steadfast in faith and trust in God's plan despite the challenges. What does it mean for us today? This verse speaks to our lives, too! It reminds us that: Challenges are inevitable: Life will inevitably throw obstacles at us. We shouldn’t give up: Even when things seem bleak, we should remain strong and trust in God's guidance. Pride is dangerous: We need to guard against arrogance and self-importance. Do you want me to explain any of these concepts further or perhaps connect it to a specific story or example?