Definition: But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy fatherâs house, [which were] better than thyself:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this difficult passage from 2 Chronicles 21:13. It's a really serious and impactful verse that describes a devastating period in Israel’s history. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: This verse is condemning King Hezekiah for allowing Judah and Jerusalem to turn away from God and worship false gods – essentially, they were practicing idolatry (worshiping other things instead of God). It’s a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel..." - This tells us that Hezekiah was leading and influencing the people of Judah and Jerusalem, following the example and actions of the previous kings. It’s a focus on a particular period of leadership. "...and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring..." – This is the key part. "Whorsing" refers to a very specific, ancient form of idolatry—a practice where people worship idols or false gods. Hezekiah’s people were actively worshipping these false deities. They were sacrificing to them, making offerings, and generally engaging in practices that weren't centered on God. "...like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab..." – This is a direct comparison. The "whoredoms" are a very specific and disturbing type of pagan worship practiced by King Jezebel in ancient Israel. They involved making offerings to idols, often involving ritual blood sacrifices. Hezekiah's people were mimicking this behavior. "[which were] better than thyself:" – This is the most shocking part. Hezekiah’s family was better than him! His father was a powerful and wise king, and his descendants had a higher status and a deeper connection to God. Hezekiah's actions were seen as a betrayal of this established order and a rejection of divine authority. What it means – The Big Picture: This verse paints a picture of profound moral failure. It’s a warning about: Disobedience: Hezekiah was disobeying God’s commands to worship Him and follow His laws. Idolatry: He was actively practicing the worship of false gods, which is considered a grave sin in the Bible. Loss of Order: The verse highlights a breakdown in the established order and authority of Israel. It suggests a shift away from righteousness and towards chaos. Important Context: This passage comes before the destruction of Jerusalem, which was a direct result of this idolatry. It’s a moment of crisis for Israel and a crucial part of their history. In essence, this verse is a powerful condemnation of disobedience and a reminder that true worship requires obedience to God's laws. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Discuss the historical context of this verse?