Definition: Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 20:33. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic part of the story of Israel’s final battle against Goliath. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Goliath Defeats Israel: In the Bible, Goliath was a giant warrior who attacked Jerusalem with stones. The Israelites were hopelessly outnumbered and facing a terrifying challenge. High Places – A Place of Rebellion: The verse refers to a specific location – a place called “high places” – that the Israelites had been building up in their defiance against God. This was a symbol of a rebellious, self-centered way of life. They were prioritizing their own desires and comfort over obeying God’s commands. What the Verse Says: “Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.” Let's unpack that: "Howbeit..." - A Contrast: This word is a key part of the passage. It means "even though." It’s highlighting a significant contrast – something was happening, but it wasn’t ideal. “the high places were not taken away” – This directly points to the rebellion and focus on their own comfort and desires. They had been building up this place as a symbol of defiance. "for as yet..." - A Promise: This emphasizes that before this happened, there was a crucial opportunity for repentance and change. “the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers” – This is the core of the message. It means: “The Israelites hadn’t truly started to listen to God's instructions and recognize that they were disobeying him.” They weren't ready to turn back to Him, to seek His guidance, or to put his will first. They were focused on their own interests rather than serving God. In a nutshell: The verse is telling us that the Israelites’ focus on building up a place of rebellion and self-centeredness was a problem. It was a warning – they needed to change their ways, or they were doomed to fail. It's about recognizing that true faith and obedience require more than just belief; it requires preparation – a willingness to listen, obey, and submit to God’s will. Why is this important? It's a foundational moment in the story of Israel. It sets the stage for their ultimate defeat and highlights the need for spiritual maturity and submission to God’s authority. It’s a reminder that true victory comes not just from strength, but from a changed heart and a willingness to follow God’s path. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of the kind of behavior described by “the high places”? Connect it to a specific part of the Bible?