Definition: For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 9:19 together. It’s a really important one about God's feelings and how He chooses to handle things. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is feeling very angry with the people he’s chosen to follow. He’s worried that they might do something terrible, like disobeying him completely. He's thinking about a big, harsh punishment coming if they don’t change their ways. Let’s unpack it: "For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure..." : This is God saying he felt this intense anger because of what they were doing. It’s like when you feel really anxious because someone might be upset with you – it's a sign something bad could happen. He’s acknowledging that his feelings are rooted in a negative situation. "...wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you." : This is the core of it. The Lord (God) is really angry and wants to harm them. He’s considering a terrible outcome – destruction, loss, or something worse. It's like saying he's about to unleash a powerful force. "But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also." : This is the crucial part! God understood his anger and didn’t immediately lash out. He listened to him. He recognized that he needed to be careful. It means God paused, considered the situation, and decided to try to avoid a harsh punishment. What does this mean for us? This verse is about God's mercy and understanding. It shows that even when we make mistakes or disobey Him, He doesn’t immediately punish us with terrible consequences. He does have the power to be angry, but He also has the ability to show compassion and try to prevent harm. In a nutshell: God is feeling hurt and worried, but He's willing to listen and consider things before taking action that would cause significant damage. It’s a reminder of His love and concern for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you another Bible verse with a similar theme? Answer any specific questions you have about it?