Definition: Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 29:24. It's a really important and somewhat complex verse, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s the explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s judgment – specifically, about the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and lack of faith. It’s essentially saying that God is going to punish them harshly for their actions, and they need to understand why he's doing this. Let's unpack it word by word: “Even all nations shall say…” – This means that everyone – not just the Israelites – will eventually hear about what’s happening. It’s a broad statement about the impact of God’s actions. “…Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land?” - This asks, "Why did God do this to us?" It’s a question of understanding why something is happening. “What meaneth [the heat] the great anger?” – This is where it gets a little tricky. “The heat” refers to a very intense and powerful feeling of anger and displeasure. "Meaneth" means "to signify" or "to explain." So, this part is asking: What does this intense anger signify? Putting it all together - A Possible Interpretation: God is deeply disappointed with Israel’s lack of obedience to his laws and promises. He's feeling a tremendous amount of anger – not just at them individually, but because of the overall pattern of disobedience that has been happening for generations. He's using this intense anger as a warning and a call to repentance. The Bigger Picture: This verse is often interpreted as a prelude to a larger mission God has for Israel. It’s suggesting that God intends to bring about a spiritual transformation, a return to his covenant (agreement) with them. It's not just about punishing them; it's about re-establishing their relationship with him and leading them towards righteousness. In short: Deuteronomy 29:24 is a powerful declaration of God’s displeasure and a call for repentance, recognizing that Israel needs to understand why he is acting in this way. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of it in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament? Give you a summary with a focus on a specific aspect (like the purpose of the judgment)?