Definition: And it be told thee, and thou hast heard [of it], and inquired diligently, and, behold, [it be] true, [and] the thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought in Israel:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 17:4. It’s a really important passage about how God wants to protect His people and establish rules for them. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that something very unusual – a practice called “abomination” – has been happening in Israel (meaning the Jewish people) for a long time, and it’s causing problems. God is telling us to understand this and take action. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And it be told thee, and thou hast heard [of it], and inquired diligently..." – This means God is sharing something with you – a story or a situation – that you’ve heard. It emphasizes that this isn’t just a random event; it's been noticed and investigated. The word "heard" suggests listening intently, which is important because the verse also says “investigated diligently.” "...and, behold, [it be] true, [and] the thing certain..." – This is the key part. “Behold” means "see" or “witness." "It be true" means “it’s actually happening.” The word “certain” reinforces that this is something God has established and will not change easily. "...that such abomination is wrought in Israel:" – This is where the problem is clearly stated. “Abomination” here means a practice or behavior that is considered wrong, unnatural, or harmful to God’s law. “Wrought” means it's being done or created . So, this verse says that something very specific – a particular custom or practice – is happening within the Jewish community that is causing problems for God and his people. In simpler terms: God has noticed a really strange thing going on in Israel, and he’s saying it's a problem because of it. He’s giving you a clear understanding of what needs to be addressed. What does this all mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as a call for repentance – meaning acknowledging that there's been a mistake and turning away from it. It highlights the importance of following God’s laws and guidelines, and avoiding practices that are seen as offensive or harmful. It’s about maintaining a right relationship with God through righteous living. Important Note: This is a complex verse, and different interpretations exist within Judaism. However, this explanation offers a general understanding of its meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what "abomination" might look like? Discuss the historical context surrounding this verse?