For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.
For the LORD will strike Israel, like a reed that shakes back and forth in the water, and he will uproot Israel from this good land that he gave to their ancestors, and will scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their sacred groves, making the LORD angry.
God is warning that Israel will be shaken, uprooted from their promised land, and scattered because they have turned to idol worship that angers him.
📚 Historical Context
This prophecy was given during the reign of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the nation split. Jeroboam had established golden calf worship and other pagan practices to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship. The 'groves' mentioned were Asherah poles - wooden symbols used in Canaanite fertility worship that God had strictly forbidden.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.