Definition: The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 7:27. It’s a really important and concerning detail about a group of people practicing a very dangerous pagan ritual. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Core of the Story: Nehemiah is describing a group of men called “the Men of Anathoth” – and they were a large number, approximately 128 men. These men were worshipping an idol named Anathoth. This idol was a god associated with chaos, destruction, and rebellion against God. What Was They Doing? They were performing a ritual called “the Ritual of the Seven Dead.” This ritual involved: Putting a severed hand on the forehead: It was believed this would bring blessings and protection to those who performed it. Wearing a mask with a severed head: This mask represented the spirit of Anathoth, a malevolent figure. Offering sacrifices to the idol: They were offering sacrifices as an act of worship. Why Was This Problem So Serious? The key point is that this ritual was dangerous and actively undermining God’s authority. It was seen as a direct challenge to God's rule over the people and the land. It was considered a form of idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. What Happened Next? Nehemiah, who was overseeing rebuilding in Jerusalem, discovered this group of men. He confronted them, and they confessed their sins and agreed to be cleansed from the worship of Anathoth. It’s a crucial example of Nehemiah's commitment to restoring order and righteousness back into Jerusalem. In short: The verse tells us about a group of people practicing a dangerous and disruptive ritual that directly challenged God's authority. It highlights the importance of resisting idolatry and remaining faithful to God’s will. Do you want me to explain another Bible verse, perhaps one related to a specific theme or story? For example: You might want a verse about forgiveness? Or maybe one about obedience?