Definition: Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 13:27. It’s a really important and concerning passage about the dangers of disobedience and idolatry. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?” In simpler terms: “Are we willing to do something truly terrible – to disobey God and marry people from other countries – just because we want to be popular or have a certain way of life?” Let's unpack it further: "Shall we then hearken unto you..." : This is a question, essentially. It’s asking if we should do this. "...to do all this great evil..." : This means to commit serious wrongdoing – actions that are against God’s will and likely harmful to the community. Think of it as going beyond just breaking rules; it's about actively defying God’s authority. "...to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?" : This is the core of the warning. “Transgress” means to break a law or rule. “Against our God” refers to God’s law and will. The verse specifically says we are breaking God's laws by marrying people from other countries – this was a significant problem in ancient Israel. What’s the message? Nehemiah is telling us that disobedience and disobedience to God’s commands can lead to terrible consequences. It highlights a serious warning about the importance of following God's instructions and resisting temptation. It emphasizes that true loyalty and righteousness come from obeying God, not from seeking popularity or comfort through wrongdoing. Context: This verse is part of a larger story in the book of Nehemiah. The Jewish people were experiencing internal strife and disobedience, and Nehemiah was trying to restore order and justice. This verse represents a turning point where they needed to reaffirm their commitment to God's law. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from Nehemiah 13? Discuss the why behind this warning – why was this so important for ancient Israelites? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories or biblical teachings?