Definition: Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, [the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 13:9. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse from the Old Testament! Here’s a simplified explanation: What it’s about: This verse describes a very specific and unusual practice in ancient Israel – the creation of priests. It’s about establishing a system where people could become priests for a particular group rather than for everyone. Let's unpack the parts: “Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites…” – This is the first part. It’s saying that they deliberately removed the priestly roles from those who were designated as “sons of Aaron” – which was a specific group within the priesthood. They essentially exiled these individuals. “…and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands?” – This is the key part. The verse says that they then created new priests , but they did so in a way that mirrored the religious practices of other nations. It’s like creating a priestly system that was inspired by and similar to other cultures at the time. “So that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, [the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.” – This is where it gets really strange. It’s saying that anyone who wants to become a priest must use specific animals (a young bullock and seven rams) and follow certain rituals. The important part is: “they may be a priest of them who are no gods ”. This suggests they were trying to create a system where the priests weren’t worshipped as gods themselves – they were meant to serve as intermediaries between God and the people, focusing on their devotion. What it means (and what it was about): The verse is often interpreted as a way for Israel to build a strong religious system that would be resistant to outside influence or worship of other gods. It suggests they were striving for a unified, powerful religious identity, and this practice helped them establish a system that was focused on their devotion – rather than any specific god. It’s a complex idea, but it speaks to a desire for a very stable and defined religious order. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse is debated by scholars today. It's not a straightforward explanation of the historical practices of ancient Israel. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you might have, tell me: What specifically are you interested in understanding about this verse? (e.g., its context, its significance, its interpretation?)