Definition: Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 34:21. It’s a really important and sobering passage about God’s anger and the consequences of disobedience. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God is incredibly angry with Israel (specifically Judah) because they haven’t listened to His instructions and laws – specifically, He gave them the Law in the first place. It’s pointing to a period of intense punishment and devastation. Let's unpack it word by word: “Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah…” : This is a direct plea from God – He’s asking us to seek His help . It emphasizes that this isn't just a request; it’s a desperate call for guidance. He’s looking for someone to act on his behalf. “…concerning the words of the book that is found…” : This refers to the Law, or the instructions given by God to the people of Israel. It’s like a set of rules and guidelines. “Great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us…” : This is the key part. “Wrath” means intense anger, fury, and punishment. The verse says God's anger is great . This isn’t just a little annoyance; it’s a massive outpouring of His displeasure. “because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD…” : This is where the problem starts. It highlights that the people of Israel and Judah haven’t followed God’s instructions and laws. They've been drifting away from what He told them to do. It suggests a long history of disobedience. “to do after all that is written in this book.” : This emphasizes that they’re not following the lessons and commandments given by God in His Book (the Law). This is a crucial point – it's not just about a single action, but a pattern of ignoring God’s guidance. In simpler terms: God is deeply disappointed with Israel because they haven't been obedient to His laws and instructions. He’s unleashing a huge amount of punishment for their disobedience. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse speaks to a significant period of history, often associated with the Babylonian exile. It foreshadowed a time of hardship and devastation for Israel. It's a reminder that we are all accountable to God, and obedience is vital for a positive outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event (like the Babylonian exile)? Discuss the meaning of "wrath" from a theological perspective?