Definition: Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 36:14. It’s a pretty serious passage about how the Israelites were behaving – and it’s important because it speaks to a crucial moment in Jewish history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Abominations: The “abominations” are things that were considered deeply wrong by the people of Israel, particularly those practiced by the surrounding nations (the "heathen"). These weren't just minor offenses; they were serious violations of God’s law. Transgressed Very Much: The Israelites – and their leaders – acted in a way that was extremely disrespectful to God and his house. They went beyond what was considered acceptable and even dangerous. Polluted the House of the LORD: This is the core of the verse. The "house of the Lord" refers to the Tabernacle (a special, portable dwelling place for God’s presence) that Israel had established in Jerusalem. The verse means they actively broke into this space, desecrated it, and treated it as a place for earthly things rather than worship of God. Putting It Together – What Happened? The verse describes a period when the Israelites were behaving in a way that was incredibly disrespectful to God. They engaged in practices that were considered shocking and rebellious against his will. They essentially violated the sacred space dedicated to him. Why is this significant? This event is seen as a turning point in Jewish history, marking a time of serious crisis. It highlights a period where Israel was drifting away from their covenant relationship with God and starting to follow the ways of the world. It’s a warning about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's law. In essence, it’s saying that the Israelites were breaking a sacred trust – they were disrespecting the presence of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period described (e.g., what was happening in Israel at the time)? Offer some related biblical stories or themes?