Definition: For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 6:16. It’s a really important message about God’s perspective on how we treat His people and the consequences of our actions. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if we focus on following the laws and customs of a powerful, perhaps even vengeful, king named Omri, and don't follow God's guidelines, then God will punish us with hardship and separation. It’s about a consequence for prioritizing things other than what’s right and holy. Let’s break it down word by word: “For the statutes of Omri…” – This refers to the laws and practices of King Omri, who lived thousands of years ago in ancient Israel. He was a powerful, possibly even tyrannical ruler. “…are kept…” - This means that these laws and customs were being followed by people – specifically by the people of Israel. “and all the works of the house of Ahab…” – Ahab was a king who became very obsessed with his own power and wealth, and he was known for being vengeful and harsh. This verse says that these practices were continuing under his rule. “…and ye walk in their counsels;” - "Counselles" means “advice” or “guidance”. So, this is saying that people were following the wrong advice, the laws and customs of Omri, instead of following God’s law. “that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: ” - This is the core of the verse. "Desolation" means a ruined or desolate place. "The inhabitants thereof an hissing" means “the people of Israel” are being called to suffer. God will create a place that’s full of hardship and suffering for those who follow this flawed path. “therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.” - This is the ultimate consequence. God sees that following these laws and customs leads to suffering, and He will bring about a separation from His people – a “reproach” – meaning shame and abandonment. In simpler terms: Omri was a powerful king who followed practices that were considered bad and harmful. If you follow those practices, God will punish you with hardship and make it difficult for you to be part of His community (the Israelites). The Bigger Picture - It’s about Obedience & Righteousness: This verse is a warning about the importance of following God's laws and living a righteous life. It reminds us that true happiness and peace come from obeying God, not from seeking power or personal gain. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you a different interpretation of the verse?