Definition: For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 16:13. It’s a pretty serious passage about a tragic event in ancient Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Baasha and Elah: These were two priests who lived in the region of Baasha. They were known for being quite rebellious and prone to making mistakes. Sins Against God: Their actions – specifically, their vanities (which means frivolous or foolish behavior) – angered God. God was upset because they weren't following His rules and were causing trouble. Israel’s Sin: Because of these sins, God became angry with Israel. This anger led to a whole chain of unfortunate consequences for the people. Putting it Together - A Quick Summary: The verse basically says that Baasha and Elah, through their foolishness and disrespect, caused problems for Israel. They weren’t just making mistakes; they were actively provoking God's displeasure with Israel. What does this tell us about the past? Accountability: It shows that people can be held accountable for their actions, even if those actions are unintentional or driven by foolishness. God’s Justice: It highlights God’s judgment and his desire to protect His people. He doesn't just tolerate wrongdoing; he actively responds to it. Important Note: This is a difficult passage to read because it describes a very painful event in Israel’s history. It’s important to remember that this story happened long ago and the focus isn't on the details of how they did these things, but rather on the consequence – God’s anger and the resulting problems for Israel. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Kings? Discuss the historical context of this story? Talk about what this verse might mean in terms of human responsibility?