Definition: (For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 6:15. It's a really important and somewhat scary part of the Old Testament! Here’s what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s protection for us as humans. He’s saying that God is incredibly protective of us, and if we don’t treat Him with respect and follow His rules, he might become angry with us. Let's break it down piece by piece: “For the LORD thy God…” – This tells us who the verse is about: it’s a promise from God to Moses (the leader of Israel). “…is jealous God among you” - This is the core of the warning. “Jealous” means angry and resentful. God is feeling a little upset because we're not behaving well. He’s not just annoyed; he's feeling a deep, personal sadness. “lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee…” – This is saying that if we don't follow God's rules (like obeying Him and being faithful), he might become angry with us. “Kindled” means to ignite or start something, so it’s like a spark of anger starting to grow. “…destroy thee from off the face of the earth.” – This is the worst-case scenario . It's the most severe consequence for not following God’s rules. It means God could completely wipe us out of existence! It’s a powerful and terrifying thought. So, in short: God is extremely concerned about our well-being and will actively punish us if we don't respect Him and his laws. It's a reminder to be obedient and trustworthy. Why is this verse important? This verse is a cornerstone of the covenant (a promise) between God and humanity. It’s a call for humility and reverence. It encourages us to: Listen to God: He wants us to hear His voice and obey His commands. Be respectful: We should treat each other with respect, just as God treats us. Live righteously: We need to be good stewards of the earth and live in a way that honors God. Does this mean we're doomed? Not necessarily! It means that we are responsible for our actions. By following God’s laws, we can protect ourselves and others from potential harm. It's about striving to be good, just, and faithful – a path to peace with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?