Definition: And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 10:27. It's a really important part of understanding how ancient Israel was organized and how they dealt with false gods. Here's the explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse describes a very serious act of destruction – completely burning down all the idols (representations of deities) and structures (homes, buildings) made to worship Baal, the primary god of the Canaanites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they brake down the image of Baal…” - This means they destroyed the physical representation of Baal – the idols themselves. Think of it like smashing a statue into pieces. “…and brake down the house of Baal…” - This refers to the entire structure built to worship Baal, including its walls, foundations, and all the things within it. It's not just about the idol; it’s the whole place dedicated to Baal. "...and made it a draught house unto this day." – This is the crucial part. It means they completely destroyed it, leaving nothing behind. They essentially turned the structure into a temporary home – a place for temporary worship and offering. It's like burying something that’s no longer needed. “To this day” emphasizes the permanence of the destruction. What it tells us about ancient Israel: They were rejecting false gods: This verse is a clear sign that the Israelites were rejecting the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities. They were actively choosing to focus on God and His true, unchanging presence. It was a powerful act of faith: Destroying these idols wasn’t just about practical reasons; it was a symbolic act of defiance against evil and idolatry. It demonstrated their commitment to the one true God. In essence, this verse is a story of repentance and a complete shift in focus from worshipping false gods to worshiping the one true God. Important Note: The Bible does not say that everything was destroyed in this way. The verses after this describe a period of rebuilding and re-establishing the covenant with God, but the initial act of destruction is highlighted here. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, we could delve deeper into: The significance of Baal as a god in ancient times? What does "draft house" mean in this context?