Definition: And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage. It’s a pretty serious and dramatic verse from 2 Chronicles. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a terrible act of desecration – essentially, the destruction of God’s holy spaces. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God…” - “Vessels of the house of God” refers to temples and sacred places dedicated to God. Ahaz is likely referring to King Ahaz, who was a king in Judah during this time. “…and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God.” – This means he deliberately smashed or damaged the altars (sacred tables) within the temple. It’s like intentionally destroying something that’s meant to be a place of worship and connection with God. “And shut up the doors of the house of the LORD…” - The “house of the LORD” is specifically the Tabernacle – a physical dwelling place for God in Israel. Shutting it up signifies that God was being hidden or denied access to his presence. “and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.” - This is the most shocking part. He built numerous, individual altars throughout the entire city of Jerusalem! It’s as if he was creating a vast network of places for worship, essentially overwhelming the area with God's presence. What’s the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping idols or false gods instead of God himself. It suggests that Ahaz was trying to create a system where people could worship in any place, undermining the true focus and sanctity of God's presence. It’s a powerful image of rebellion against God's authority. Overall Interpretation: The verse is a story about a serious transgression – desecration of sacred spaces – that angered God and led to a display of disrespect and a desire to control God's presence. --- Important Note: Biblical interpretations can vary, but this explanation focuses on the most common understanding based on historical context and biblical interpretation. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage? Talk about its connection to other stories in the Bible?