Definition: Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:19. It’s a really important and somewhat complex part of the story of the Israelites after the time of King Josiah. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a turning point – a moment where the Israelites started to stray from God’s rules and laws. They weren’t following God’s instructions as diligently as they should have been. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “2 Kings 17:19” : This refers to a prophecy made by an angel to King Josiah, who was the last king of Judah. It's a message about the future. “Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God” : This means that Judah – which is the tribe of Benjamin – wasn’t following the laws and rules given to them by God. They weren’t obeying what He commanded. Think of it like when you break a rule, even if you don't mean to. “but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made” : This is the crucial part. “Statutes” means laws or rules. "They made" refers to the Israelites – specifically their own traditions and practices. They were building their own way of life, based on their own interpretations and customs, rather than following God’s teachings. So, what does this mean in a nutshell? It means that Judah started to prioritize their own ideas and preferences over God's guidance. They began to follow their own laws instead of the ones given by God. It was a shift towards independence and perhaps even a disregard for divine authority. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it’s considered a key step in the downfall of Judah. It’s often seen as a precursor to the events that led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah – essentially, the loss of their covenant relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some context about what was happening at the time? Discuss its significance in a broader biblical story?