Definition: They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find [him]; he hath withdrawn himself from them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 5:6. It’s a really important message about God's relationship with his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is withdrawing His attention and affection from his people. He’s saying, “I need to spend some time focusing on others, and I’m not going to be around for a while.” Let's break it down word-by-word: “They shall go with their flocks and with their herds…” – This means God is inviting his people back to Him. He's offering them a chance to reconnect with him, to return to the relationship he has with them. “…and with their herds.” - This refers to livestock, animals they used for food and livelihood. It symbolizes a connection to the land and the things that sustain them. “to seek the LORD…” – This is God calling out to his people to turn towards Him. It’s a request for them to come to him. “…but they shall not find [him]…” - This is the crucial part. It means that despite their efforts, they won't be able to connect with God in a meaningful way. He's withdrawing from them, leaving them feeling distant and disconnected. What it means practically: God’s Sending: The verse often speaks about God sending his people away. It’s not necessarily a punishment, but rather a deliberate decision to prioritize others. A Test of Faith: It's a challenging situation for the people, requiring them to examine their relationship with God and reaffirm their commitment to Him. Context in Hosea: This verse appears in Hosea 5:6, which is part of a larger story about Hosea’s relationship with his wife, Betsey. Hosea is expressing his frustration and feeling abandoned by her. It's a moment of intense emotion, but it’s ultimately framed within God’s plan for the nation of Israel. In short: God isn't abandoning his people; he’s prioritizing other things. He’s withdrawing to show that He needs to focus on others and strengthen His relationship with them through a different way. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail? Relate it to a specific story or theme (like Hosea's relationship with Betsey)?