Definition: The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead [their] dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 7:18. It’s a really powerful and concerning passage about a group of people in ancient Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very serious act of idolatry – worshipping false gods – by a significant portion of the Israelites. They were actively trying to provoke God’s anger, which is a huge sign of rebellion against him. Let’s unpack each part: “Jeremiah 7:18” : This refers to a specific time in ancient Israel's history, likely around the 6th century BC. It’s a particular event described in the Book of Jeremiah. “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire…” : This describes a ritualistic gathering where people were preparing for a special offering – a sacrifice to God. It's like a big celebration meant to show their devotion. “…and the women knead [their] dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven…” : This is the core of the problem. The women were baking cakes and making them as offerings to a god – specifically, a goddess named “the Queen of Heaven.” They were trying to create something dedicated to this deity. “…and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.” : This is the most alarming part. They were intentionally attempting to make sacrifices and offerings to other gods . The goal was to upset God and cause him to be angry. They weren’t just showing a little respect; they were actively trying to challenge his authority. What's the Significance? This verse is considered one of the most significant passages in the Old Testament because it reveals: Serious Rebellion: It highlights a deep and persistent rebellion against God’s leadership and divine law. The Danger of Idolatry: It warns against worshipping false gods, which is a central theme throughout the Bible. Idolatry was seen as a direct threat to God's presence in the world. God’s Wrath: It shows that God is intensely offended by this behavior and will ultimately punish those who defy him. In short, Jeremiah 7:18 describes a desperate attempt to provoke God's anger through idolatry – a blatant challenge to his authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes? Provide a brief summary of the historical context?