Definition: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty intense and dramatic passage from the Book of 2 Chronicles. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: This verse describes a serious situation where people are actively defying God and causing him to become angry. It’s about a group of people who have been practicing idolatry – worshipping other gods instead of Him. Let's unpack each part: “Because they have forsaken me…” - This means they've stopped worshipping God and are now focusing on things other than Him. They’re actively rejecting His presence and authority. “…and have burned incense unto other gods…” - Incense is a ritual offering, often used to honor deities. These people were burning incense to other gods – essentially creating a false idol worship scene. It was a way of trying to get God's attention and make Him angry. “that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands…” - This is the key part! They’re doing this because they’re trying to upset God. They are deliberately creating problems, making things difficult, and perhaps even causing harm – all in an attempt to get a reaction from Him. “Therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place…” - This is the scary part! God's anger is about to erupt. "Wrath" means intense anger and displeasure. “…and shall not be quenched.” – This means that God’s anger will not stop until these people are dealt with. It’s a promise of a very serious punishment for their disobedience. What does this mean in practical terms? This verse speaks to the idea of rebellion against God and the consequences of rejecting His will. It's a warning about the importance of following God’s commands and resisting temptation. Important Note: This is a very serious passage, signifying immense divine displeasure. It's not just about being offended; it's about actively defying God and causing him pain. In short, this verse describes a situation where people are deliberately trying to provoke God’s anger through their actions, and God will unleash his full wrath upon them. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss what it might symbolize about human behavior?