Definition: Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 7:20. It’s a pretty serious and important verse in the Old Testament! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means God is going to deliberately test and punish those who don't follow His laws. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The LORD thy God” : This refers to God as the ultimate authority and ruler. “will send the hornet among them” : A hornet is a wild, stinging insect. This represents a challenging or difficult situation – something that pushes people to their limits. “until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee” : This is the core of the verse. It means that those who do follow God’s laws will be safe and protected, while those who don't will be put to a test. "Hide themselves from thee" suggests they become secretive or withdrawn, perhaps due to fear or disobedience. “be destroyed” : This is the consequence – God intends to bring about a negative outcome for those who are not steadfast in their faith. What’s the point of this verse? It's a warning and a call to action. It emphasizes that obedience is crucial, and ignoring God's guidance will lead to consequences. It’s a reminder that God doesn't just tolerate disobedience; He actively seeks to test and punish those who stray from His path. Think of it like this: Imagine someone trying to trick you. The verse suggests that if you don't stay true to your principles, God might deliberately set a trap for you – forcing you to confront difficult choices and ultimately bring about a negative outcome. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against rebellion and disobedience. It’s not necessarily meant to be taken literally in the sense of a physical attack, but rather a metaphorical one – a test of faith and commitment. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on: The symbolism behind the hornet? Its historical context (when was it written)? How it relates to other parts of the Bible?