Definition: Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 19:4. It's a really powerful and sad passage about God’s anger and judgment against a people. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: God is Furious: The verse starts with God being incredibly upset because these people have completely turned away from him, broken his trust, and disobeyed him in a significant way. They've Abandoned Him: They've stopped worshipping him . They’re not showing any respect or devotion to the one true God. They've Made False Gods: Instead of focusing on God, they’ve created their own idols – things that look like him but aren't real. These “gods” are made of incense and other things, and they don’t have a connection to the true God. They're worshipping something other than Him! They’ve Killed Innocents: The worst part is that these false gods are causing harm – killing innocent people. This is a direct consequence of their disobedience. What It Means in Simple Terms: Think of it like this: God created the world and gave it to us. He's the center of everything, and we need to honor him through our actions and beliefs. These people have deliberately disobeyed that honor. They’ve rejected the truth and are causing pain and suffering – both to themselves and others. The Key Message: Jeremiah 19:4 is a stark warning about the dangers of idolatry (worshiping idols) and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It’s a call for repentance and a reminder that true worship comes from a relationship with God, not with things that don't have a real connection to Him. It’s a serious message about: The dangers of idolatry: Rejecting or worshipping something other than the one true God. The importance of obedience: Following God’s commands and rules. Justice and punishment: God is punishing those who reject him and worship false gods. Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss its context within the larger story of Jeremiah? For example, I could talk about: The historical setting of the time What "incense" meant in ancient times