Definition: So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, [and] to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 33:9. It’s a really important verse that speaks about a period in history and its consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Manasseh, a king of Judah, made the people of Judah and Jerusalem worse than the people they had destroyed long ago. It’s a pretty serious statement about their actions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err…” This means Manasseh led his people in a bad way – he allowed them to go astray, make mistakes, or be dishonest. “…and to do worse than the heathen…” "Heathen" means foreign peoples – people who weren’t native to that region. The verse says they did worse than the people who had been destroyed before the Israelites. This is a crucial part of the message – it's pointing out a significant betrayal and wrongdoing by Manasseh's people. “…whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.” This is the key to understanding the gravity of the situation. The "heathen" are referring to the Israelites who were exiled from their land, wandering in the wilderness. The verse says that before they left, the Lord had destroyed them. So, Manasseh's actions directly resulted in a loss and suffering for those people. In short, this verse is telling us that Manasseh’s leadership was causing harm and injustice to those who were once free. Why is this important? This story has several layers of meaning: Responsibility: It highlights the importance of righteous leadership – leaders should strive to do what's right and avoid leading people down a path of wrongdoing. Forgiveness & Redemption: It’s a reminder that even after a terrible loss, there's still an opportunity for repentance and restoration. The Lord might allow for forgiveness if people show remorse and seek reconciliation. Do you want me to elaborate on any aspect of this verse? For example, we could discuss: The context of the time – when did this happen in biblical history? What does "err" or "do worse" mean in practical terms? How does this story relate to other stories or teachings in the Bible?