Definition: And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that [were] by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 23. It’s a really shocking and disturbing verse, and it speaks to a very serious event in ancient Israel. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Sodomites & Sodom: This refers to the city of Sodom, which was destroyed in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 9). It’s a place mentioned as being incredibly wicked and corrupt. “The house of the LORD” : This is crucial. The verse immediately follows a reference to God’s judgment on Sodom. It's saying that the destruction wasn't happening to Sodom, but because of something happening within their city – specifically, the women weaving hangings for the grove (which was a place of worship). “Where the women wove hangings for the grove” : This is the key part. The women were busy creating elaborate and gruesome hangings to decorate the grove, which was a sacred space where they worshipped God. What it Means – A Breakdown: The verse essentially says that the destruction of Sodom wasn’t just about physical violence; it was a consequence of their wicked behavior and idolatry (worshiping other gods instead of God). It's saying that the women's actions, driven by their focus on worldly things and not on worshipping God, caused the city to be destroyed. Important Context & Interpretation: God’s Justice: This verse is a powerful example of God’s justice in action. He didn’t just punish Sodom; he punished those who were actively engaging in wickedness and idolatry. A Warning Against Idolatry: It's a stark reminder that focusing on anything other than worshiping God can have devastating consequences. The Importance of Worship: The verse highlights the importance of returning to God’s will and dedicating oneself to his path. It’s important to note that this is a very old text, and interpretations vary. Some scholars believe it's a symbolic representation of the entire story of wickedness in the ancient world. Disclaimer: I am providing this explanation for educational purposes only. It is a complex passage with a lot of historical and theological significance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this story? Explore different interpretations of this verse?