Definition: For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, [therefore] will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:23. It's a really complex and dramatic passage, and it’s important to understand what it’s saying. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a disastrous situation where a man named David was tricked into worshipping foreign gods – specifically, the gods of Damascus. He believed these gods were helping him, and he began to worship them instead. He then made a terrible mistake by offering sacrifices to these foreign deities, hoping they would help him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus…” – This means David was deliberately turning away from God and starting to worship idols. He was actively seeking out and worshipping foreign gods. “…which smote him:” - This is a crucial part. The gods of Damascus were actively attacking David. They were causing him immense suffering and hardship. It’s like a vengeful force targeting him. “And he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, [therefore] will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me.” – This is where it gets really unsettling. David started to believe that these foreign gods were protecting him. He reasoned that if they helped him, then they would also help him in some way. He was essentially making a pact with these false deities. “But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.” – This is the devastating consequence of his actions. The gods of Damascus were causing immense devastation to David and the entire nation of Israel. They were destroying everything he cared about – his life, his family, his kingdom, and ultimately, his people’s well-being. In simpler terms: David fell victim to false worship and made a pact with evil deities that brought terrible suffering to everyone around him. Key Takeaway: This verse is a story of betrayal, idolatry, and the disastrous consequences of prioritizing foreign gods over God. It’s a stark warning about the dangers of straying from the true path. Important Note: This passage is considered one of the most significant events in Israel's history because it led to the Babylonian exile – the Israelites were forced to leave their land and live as refugees. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this event? Offer a comparison to other stories with similar themes (e.g., the story of Jonah)?