Definition: And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:17. It's a really dramatic and unsettling passage about what happened when King Jezebel allowed her sons to be burned alive. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Ezekiel’s Warning: The prophet Ezekiel receives a warning from God – he’s told to watch over his sons, who are being held captive in Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar II. The Sons' Request: These sons, led by their eldest son, request that they be allowed to pass through fire. They want to prove their worth and show the king how strong they are. The Fire & Divination: God instructs them to perform this dangerous test. They use divination (thinking things out ahead of time) and enchantments – basically, magical tricks and practices – to try and trick the king. They’re hoping to provoke him with their actions and get a reaction. The Outcome: Burning Alive: Instead of proving themselves, they are deliberately burned alive! This is a terrible consequence for their ambition and disrespect. What it Means in Simple Terms: This verse describes a moment of extreme disobedience and a deliberate attempt to provoke God's anger. It’s about showing off, seeking to be admired through trickery, and ultimately, acting in a way that brings God down on you. Key Takeaways & Theological Significance: Disobedience to God: This is a clear example of disobeying God’s commands and being disrespectful to him. Pride and Vanity: The sons' actions are driven by pride and a desire for praise, rather than genuine faith or obedience. They are seeking to earn favor with the king through their own schemes. God’s Wrath: The verse highlights that God is angered when people act in this way. It’s about acknowledging his power and sovereignty. It's important to note: This story is a warning about the dangers of pride, vanity, and seeking attention through evil acts. It reminds us that true worth isn’t found in trickery or getting our own desires fulfilled at the expense of God. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like: A more detailed explanation of the meaning of "divination" and "enchantments"? The historical context of this story in ancient Israel? How this passage relates to themes in other biblical stories (like the story of Job)?