Definition: Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put [them] in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a pretty complex passage, but we can make it understandable. Here's what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how people after the death of King David and the fall of Jerusalem in ancient Israel, began to worship gods different from the God of Israel. Let's look at each part: “2 Kings 17:29” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament – a prophecy about what would happen after the destruction of Jerusalem. It’s part of the Book of Kings. “Howbeit every nation made gods of their own…” : This is the key part. "Howbeit" means "though" or "even though." So, it's saying that many nations – meaning different groups of people – began to worship gods other than the God of Israel. It’s a broad statement about the growing diversity of religious practices. “…and put [them] in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made…” : This is where it gets more complicated. The "high places" refers to places that were considered sacred and special, often built by people living near or within Jerusalem (which was then under control by the Samaritans). So, these nations started building their own temples and shrines in those same spaces . “every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.” : This means that as these nations began to worship other gods, they also started building temples and shrines within the cities where they lived. They were spreading their religious beliefs throughout the land. Putting it all together – a simplified explanation: After the fall of Jerusalem, many people began to create their own separate gods and practices. These gods weren't just different; they were often built in places that were considered sacred or special for the Israelites, and then spread out into the wider world. Important Note: This verse is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in different ways over time. It’s important to remember it’s about the growth of religious diversity after a significant event. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context (when did this happen)? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?