Definition: And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really serious and dramatic event described in 2 Chronicles 34:5. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Gathering of Priests: Around 750 BC, there was a massive gathering of priests in Jerusalem. They were preparing to offer sacrifices to God. A Terrible Ritual: They began burning the bones of the priests – their remains – on the altars within the temple. It was a deeply disrespectful and violent act. Cleansing Judah & Jerusalem: Then, it’s described as a cleansing process. The Bible says they cleansed Judah (the kingdom) and Jerusalem from this desecration. What's Happening – A Bit More Detail: “Burnt the Bones”: This is the key part. Burning the bones is a very powerful image, symbolizing: Loss of Faith & Hope: It represents a complete abandonment of faith and a loss of hope for God’s favor. Moral Ruin: It signifies a moral breakdown – a turning away from righteousness and worship of God. A Symbolic Punishment: It's often interpreted as a punishment for Judah's idolatry (worshiping other gods) and their lack of devotion to the Lord. Why is this significant? This event is considered a major crisis in Jewish history. It’s seen as a sign that Judah was deeply flawed and on a path towards destruction. It’s believed to be a turning point leading to the Babylonian exile, where the entire nation of Judah was exiled from its land. Important Note: This verse doesn't tell us why they did this. It describes the action itself – a terrible act of desecration. It's a warning and a reminder of the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God through obedience and worship. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some context about the time period it occurred? Talk about its symbolism or meaning beyond just the immediate event?