Definition: But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 12:3. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened during the time of King Hezekiah in Israel. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse says that even though people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense in the temple, the priests and rulers weren't allowed to remove those things. Let's unpack that a little bit: "But the high places were not taken away..." : The “high places” refers to the main temple area where the most important rituals – sacrifices of animals – took place. "...the people still sacrificed and burnt incense..." : This means they still continued to offer these things, even though the priests weren’t removing them. It wasn't a complete removal; it was just continuing the practice. What's the big deal? This verse is significant because it shows that despite warnings from God and the leaders, people were still engaging in idolatry (worshiping anything other than God). It points to a deeper problem: They were prioritizing offerings over worship: The focus was shifting away from true devotion to God. They weren't truly seeking Him, but rather focusing on the appearance of worship through rituals. It was a sign of rebellion: Continuing with these practices signaled that they were defying God’s authority and rejecting His will. In short, it’s a warning about the dangers of pride and obsession with outward displays of religion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Kings? Give you some context about the time period?