Definition: And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 3:12. It's a really important passage about God’s judgment and the consequences of sin. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is showing his anger because Israel disobeyed him. Let’s look at each part: “Judges 3:12 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD…” This tells us that Israel was doing something wrong – they were being defiant and rebellious. It's a clear sign of breaking God’s rules. "In the sight of the Lord" means we’re looking at God’s perspective - He’s seeing what’s happening. “…and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel…” This is the result of their bad behavior. God, who loves his people, decided to punish Eglon, the king of Moab, for leading Israel into trouble. He chose to make it difficult for him. “because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.” This is a crucial part. It means that Israel's actions weren’t just accidental; they were deliberately wrong and disrespectful. They were breaking God’s laws, even when he was watching. It wasn’t just a mistake – it was a serious offense. What does this verse tell us about God? He is righteous: God is showing his justice by punishing those who disobey him. He is powerful: He has the ability to deliver consequences for wrongdoing. He is merciful (to a point): While he’s delivering a punishment, it's still within the scope of his love and care for his people. It's a warning! This verse reminds us that we are all susceptible to sin and that our choices have consequences. It’s also a reminder that God is watching over us and will ultimately bring about justice, even when it seems unfair. Does this story remind you of anything in your life? Do you relate to the idea of being punished for wrongdoings? Let me know if you'd like me to explain any part of it further or explore a related topic.