Definition: Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up [to be] his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic passage from the Book of 2 Chronicles, and it describes a significant shift in power and worship within the kingdom of Judah. Here’s a simple explanation: What’s Happening? Amaziah Comes: The verse tells us that Amaziah, a powerful king of Jerusalem, returned from a war with Edom (a group of people who rebelled against Israel). Sets Up Gods: He brought the gods of the children of Seir – a group of tribes in the region – to worship him. It’s important to know that “Seir” is a specific and somewhat mysterious group, so it's not immediately clear what they were worshipping. Bows Down Before Them: Amaziah essentially declared himself the supreme god of these new gods. He knelt before them, showing immense reverence. Burned Incense: He then burned incense (a fragrant mixture used in religious ceremonies) to these gods. What Does it Mean? This is a really significant moment because it signifies a shift in the religious landscape: Loss of Divine Authority: It shows that Amaziah wasn't just a powerful king; he was attempting to replace the traditional gods with his own. He was trying to establish himself as the ultimate god, challenging the established religion of Israel. A Shift in Worship: It suggests a move away from the worship of Yahweh (God) – the God of Israel – and towards a foreign and potentially unstable religious system. Why is this important? This event is considered a turning point in history because it’s linked to a period of instability and conflict within Judah. It highlights how power can be corrupted, and how people sometimes try to impose their own beliefs on others, even if those beliefs are not based on divine truth. In short: Amaziah was trying to become a god himself, which led to a dramatic change in religious practices that destabilized the kingdom of Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular historical event or figure?