Definition: So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, [even] in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting passage about a king’s decision and its consequences. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, King Solomon made a big deal of a feast – a celebration – for the Israelites. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel…” - This tells us where this happened. Bethel was a small town near an oasis, and it was a place Solomon wanted to establish as a special spot for his people. He built a temporary altar there. “…which he had made of his own heart.” – This is the really important part. Solomon wasn’t just building an altar; he was designing it. He was creating something that felt good to him, and he set it up without consulting God or anyone else. It's like saying he built a special place for himself. “And ordained a feast unto the children of Israel…” - This means he planned a big celebration – a long, joyful gathering for the Israelites. It was meant to show them they were valued and important to him. “…and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.” - This describes what he actually did . He lit a fire on the altar, put fragrant incense (a special mixture of herbs) in it, and burned it. Incense was used to create a holy atmosphere. So, putting it all together: King Solomon decided to have a massive celebration for the Israelites in a temporary place called Bethel. He built the altar himself, without asking anyone else, and then lit incense and offered it on that altar. It was a significant act – showing off his power and creating a special moment for the people. Important Note: This verse is a bit controversial because it suggests a lack of respect for God’s authority. Some biblical scholars believe it shows Solomon's pride and vanity, which can lead to disobedience. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of incense? Discuss the context of this event in the Old Testament?