Definition: When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 23:16. It’s a really serious warning about disobedience and its consequences. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Message: This verse is saying that if your people – the Israelites – break God’s covenant (a promise or agreement) with him, they will face terrible punishment. It’s a very strong statement about the importance of keeping promises to God. Let's unpack it word by word: “When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God…” – This means you’ve broken a promise or agreement made with God. It’s like accidentally stepping out of line with something important he gave you. “…which he commanded you…” – This refers to specific rules and laws that God set for the Israelites. These weren't just random rules; they were designed to show how to live a righteous life and be blessed. "...and have gone and served other gods…” – This is the key part. You’ve started worshipping or making deals with other gods, instead of focusing on God. It's rejecting the one true God. "...and bowed yourselves to them;” - This means you’ve shown disrespect and worship to these other gods. You’ve turned away from God’s authority and way of life. "Then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you,…” – The Lord (God) is incredibly angry! He’s not just disappointed; he's angry . "...and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.” - This means you will be lost and destroyed very quickly. "Good land" refers to the Promised Land, a beautiful and fertile place God gave to the Israelites. Perishing is a severe punishment; it’s like being completely wiped out. In simpler terms: Think of it this way: You've disobeyed God, and that disobedience leads to his anger. It's a very bad thing, and you're likely going to lose everything – your land, your peace, and ultimately, your life. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible about Israel’s relationship with God and their history. It reminds us that obedience is crucial for a lasting relationship with God and for a blessed future. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give an example of a similar situation from the Bible? Talk about what this verse might mean in the context of today's world?