Definition: And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 16:32. It's a really important and troubling passage about idolatry – worshipping other gods instead of God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Solomon was building a temple for God. In ancient times, the Israelites were living in a time when they had many gods and goddesses. King Solomon was incredibly clever and built a magnificent temple – the most impressive structure ever created by humans! He built an altar for Baal. Baal is a very old and powerful god in some ancient mythologies, often depicted as a dark, monstrous figure. Solomon decided to worship him. He built it in Samaria: Samaria was a city that had previously been a place of worship for the gods. So, Solomon built this altar inside his temple – right where the sacred space of God was supposed to be! What it Means – The Crucial Point: This verse is a HUGE warning about the dangers of worshiating false gods. It means: It’s a violation of God's law. The Bible teaches that only one god – Yahweh (God) – should be worshipped. To worship other gods was considered a serious offense against God and a way to break his laws. It’s a sign of idolatry. Idolatry is the practice of worshipping idols or images instead of the true God. This was seen as a way to gain power, wealth, or avoid facing God's judgment. Why it Matters: This event happened in ancient Israel and had significant consequences. It’s often seen as a pivotal moment where the Israelites realized the importance of focusing their worship solely on Yahweh. It led to a shift away from idolatry and towards a deeper relationship with God. In short, this verse is a stark reminder that true devotion means worshipping only God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this event? Help you understand why it's considered such a significant moment in religious history?