Definition: Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah [thereto].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 21:11. It’s a really important and troubling passage about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the time of King Hezekiah. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of serious societal breakdown and moral decay that led to a focus on building too much – specifically, high places and encouraging immoral behavior within Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah…” This means Hezekiah, King of Judah, built significant structures – temples, shrines, and other elevated areas – on the mountains of Judah. This was a deliberate act of building up something that wasn't meant to be a sacred space for God. It suggests a disregard for what was truly important – the presence of God. “…and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication…” This is the core of the problem. "Fornication" means sexual intercourse outside of marriage. The verse says that the people in Jerusalem were encouraged and permitted to engage in this kind of behavior. It highlights a shift away from righteous living and towards immoral actions. “…and compelled Judah [thereto].” This is a crucial part. “Compelled” means driven or urged. Hezekiah’s actions, fueled by the building of these high places, led to a culture where people were pressured to engage in this kind of behavior – essentially, being forced into it. What's the Significance? This verse is seen as a warning about the dangers of: Idolatry: Building things that weren’t meant for worship was considered idolatry - worshipping other gods instead of God. Moral Decay: It indicates a decline in spiritual values and a focus on worldly pleasures over righteousness. Political Instability: The actions led to a situation where Jerusalem became increasingly morally corrupt, potentially leading to social unrest and conflict. In short, it's a story about a king who prioritized building something too big – and that ultimately created a problem for his people. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text within religious contexts. If you’re exploring this passage in more detail, it's always best to consult with a knowledgeable Bible teacher or scholar. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this event?