Definition: Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 5:13. It's a pretty powerful message about our relationship with God and idols. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “Don’t create anything – not even little images or symbols – to worship. Don’t focus on things you do (like making things, building houses, or working hard) as if they're the source of your happiness or power.” Let’s unpack it a bit further: “Thy graven images…” This refers to any idols – anything made by humans that represents something divine. Think of figurines, statues, symbols, or even complex rituals. “…also will I cut off…” This means God is going to actively remove these things from our lives. He’s taking them away. "...thy standing images out of the midst of thee…” This is a key part. It means we need to stop focusing on things you've created yourself , especially those that are built up around us – like our ambitions, our opinions, or even our own self-worth. We need to shift our attention away from things we make and towards God. "...and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.” This is a really important part. It means that once you stop creating anything with your own hands – everything you do, even your efforts – you should stop worshipping them. You shouldn’t be seeking to praise or glorify something that isn't truly God. What does this mean for us in our daily lives? Focus on God: It encourages us to spend more time and energy focusing on what is truly important: God, prayer, and His love. Don’t get lost in the mundane: It reminds us that we shouldn't become obsessed with things that don't lead us toward a deeper relationship with Him. Seek a higher purpose: It pushes us to look for meaning and fulfillment beyond our own creations and ambitions. In short, Micah is warning against idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. It’s about returning to the simple, pure focus on the divine. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give some examples of things we might fall into that could be considered “idols”? Discuss the historical context of this passage?