Definition: And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty complex passage, but we can understand its core message without getting bogged down in all the details. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very disturbing and unsettling period in ancient Israel’s history – roughly around 2 Chronicles 33, which is part of the Old Testament Bible. It tells about King David’s attempts to make a powerful and mysterious pact with an evil spirit. Let's unpack it word by word: “And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom:” This is the key part. "The son of Hinnom" refers to a very old and dark place called Hinnom. It was a place known for being filled with evil spirits, wickedness, and potentially even human sacrifice. This verse describes that David’s followers – maybe some of his own people – were ordered to lead a group through this valley in the hopes of making a deal with an evil spirit. “also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards:” This is saying that they weren't just trying to make a deal; they were actively performing rituals and using magic – things that weren’t allowed in the way God had established for worship. It paints a picture of something deeply unsettling and potentially dangerous. “and wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD:” This is crucial. “Wrought” means "made" or "created." The actions described were actively harmful to God's presence and will. The verse emphasizes that these actions were seen by God – a sign of serious transgression. “to provoke him to anger:” This is the ultimate consequence. David’s actions weren't just random; they were deliberately trying to upset God, causing him distress and displeasure. The Bible says this was a reaction to God’s judgment. What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse raises serious questions about: God’s Justice: It highlights that God is just and will punish wrongdoing. The Danger of Wickedness: David's actions were a demonstration of human ambition and a rejection of God’s authority. The Importance of Obedience: It shows the consequences of disobeying God's commands, even when it seems tempting or clever. Important Note: The Bible doesn't give us a complete story about what exactly David was doing in Hinnom. It’s more about the pattern – a repeated trend of seeking to defy God and cause him trouble. In short, this verse describes a disturbing period where David’s people attempted to make a pact with an evil spirit, which ultimately angered God and led to significant negative consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be interpreted as in relation to other stories in the Bible? Give you a quick summary of the historical context surrounding this event?