Definition: And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 11:8. It’s a really important part of understanding the story of Israel’s relationship with God and why they eventually left him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes King Solomon’s actions when he had many foreign wives – women from other countries – who were worshipping other gods. He essentially forced them to continue sacrificing and burning incense to their deities. Let’s unpack it further: “And likewise did he for all his strange wives…” This means that King Solomon didn't just have one or two foreign wives; he had many . He treated them all the same way. “…which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” This is the key part. "Incense" was a ritual offering used to honor God. “Sacrifice” meant giving something valuable – often animals – as a sign of worship. They were burning incense and making sacrifices to other gods. What’s the point? It highlights a serious problem: Disobedience: Solomon's actions showed that he wasn't fully devoted to God. He was prioritizing foreign gods over worshipping the one true God. Loss of Favor: God had repeatedly warned Israel not to worship other gods. By allowing these strange wives to continue this practice, Solomon was essentially ignoring God’s commands and leading his people astray. In essence, it’s a story about a king who prioritized his own desires over the will of God. It’s a reminder that obedience is crucial for maintaining a relationship with the divine. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant in the Bible? Give you some context about the situation during King Solomon's reign?