that stumped me.

In chapter 8, toward the end -- "twig to their nose" (some versions say "branch to their nose").

All I could think of is that when trying to guide an animal in a certain direction, maybe the farmer/herder uses a goad stick alongside the animal's nose to steer it? The nose is extremely sensitive.

Then, a friend and I were looking at the notes in her Bible, which said that the phrase could refer to a cultic practice (since the Israelites were worshipping idols) or to their sinful practices being a stench in God's nose.

Another friend's Bible notes added that the phrase could refer to a form of derision on the part of the person doing it.

In any event, the Israelites were going in the wrong direction, and their idol worship was an abomination to God, so any of the possible meanings could work.

Thoughts?