Definition: For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 32:15. It’s a really important and somewhat frightening passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse warns that if the Israelites (the people God chose) don’t follow His instructions and stay focused on their own desires, God will again send them into a difficult and dangerous situation – a wilderness – and then they’ll be destroyed. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For if ye turn away from after him…” This is the core of the warning. “After him” refers to God. It means that if the Israelites don't listen to God, disobey His commands, or prioritize their own wants over what He wants for them, they’ll be drifting away from Him and losing His guidance. “…he will yet again leave them in the wilderness…” This is a repetition of a previous event – God sent the Israelites into a wilderness after they disobeyed Him. It suggests that this isn't a one-time thing; it's a pattern. “And ye shall destroy all this people.” This is the most dramatic part. It means that if the Israelites continue to stray from God and don’t follow His will, they will be completely wiped out – their nation will cease to exist. It implies a complete annihilation. What's the message behind it? This verse highlights several important themes: God's Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control of everything and doesn’t give up easily. He isn't just passively watching; he actively intervenes. Importance of Obedience: It underscores how crucial it is to listen to and obey God’s instructions for the Israelites. Warning about Apostasy: It serves as a warning against turning away from faith and following false paths. Context is Key – What's happening in the larger story? This verse usually comes after the Israelites have been wandering, disobeying God, and causing problems. It’s a consequence of their disobedience. It’s part of a longer narrative that leads up to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where God gives them specific instructions for how to live as a nation. In short, this verse is a serious warning about the potential consequences of straying from God and reminding us to always seek His guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story or parable?