Definition: The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen [men] of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Psalm 78:31. It’s a really powerful and complex passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step in a way that makes sense. Here's the basic meaning: This verse describes a devastating event – a terrible act of God’s wrath – that resulted in significant loss for Israel. Let’s unpack it: “The wrath of God came upon them…” : This means God was angry and felt hurt. It wasn’t just a simple disagreement; it was a righteous, powerful anger because of something bad that had happened. Think of it like when someone you care about makes a mistake – it can be painful, but it doesn't necessarily mean the person is completely wrong. “…and slew the fattest of them…” : This is the scary part. “Slew” means to kill completely. The verse says God killed the most significant and important people in Israel. “Fattest” refers to the most powerful, important, or influential members of their community – likely leaders, kings, and those held in high regard. “…and smote down the chosen [men] of Israel.” : “Smote down” means to severely injure or harm someone. "Chosen" means selected or favored. This phrase emphasizes that these weren’t just randomly chosen people; they were specifically selected for a crucial role in God's plan and the prosperity of his people. Putting it all together – a simplified explanation: God felt deeply wronged by a terrible act committed by Israel, resulting in a massive loss of life and leadership. It wasn't just a random tragedy; it was a deliberate and intense punishment. It’s a stark reminder of God’s power and the consequences of disobedience or wrongdoing. Important Considerations: Context is key: This verse usually appears within a larger story about Israel’s history, often after they had been defeated by enemies. It's part of a larger narrative about God’s judgment and faithfulness. It’s not about blame: The verse doesn't focus on who did the bad thing. It focuses on God’s reaction to it. It emphasizes that God is acting in justice and punishment. In short, this verse describes a profound tragedy – a great loss of leadership and importance – caused by God’s wrath. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific event or story from the Bible? Explore the why behind God's anger?