Definition: And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 12:30. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a serious transgression – a breaking of God's law – that led to significant consequences for Israel. Basically, they started worshipping a god besides the one God had established. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And this thing became a sin…” This is a straightforward statement: something bad happened, and it’s now considered wrong. “…for the people went [even] unto Dan.” This is where it gets interesting. "Dan" was a very distant and isolated place – a small island off the coast of Israel. The word “even” means even more , so they went completely to worship that god. It’s like going all-in, completely abandoning their traditional faith. What does this mean practically? This is a big deal because it highlights several things: Disobedience: They were deliberately disobeying God's commands and teachings. Loss of Guidance: They were straying from the path that God had given them – the path of worshiping Him alone. Potential for Corruption: It suggests a growing problem within Israel, with people losing their way and becoming focused on something else entirely. Why is this significant? This event was a pivotal moment in history. It's often seen as a precursor to the fall of Israel and a contributing factor to the division that eventually led to the kingdom’s downfall. It shows a shift away from their true identity as God’s people. Important Note: The exact details of what this “one, even unto Dan” god was are debated among scholars. It likely referred to a deity that was seen as having a strong influence over Israel and who wasn't considered part of the traditional covenant relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific aspect (like the context or historical significance)? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?