Definition: Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 32:12. It’s a really important passage about sin and God’s judgment. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse is part of a story about a man named Hezekiah who was very powerful in Judah (a region in Israel). Hezekiah, driven by pride and wanting to be seen as the most important, began to build several temples and shrines – altars – all over the land. God told Hezekiah to worship only one altar. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places…” : This is a question asking if Hezekiah had actually done this – removed his important temples and shrines? “…and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?” : This is the core of the verse. Hezekiah told Judah and Jerusalem to worship only at one altar. And he instructed them to burn incense on this altar – a ritual offering. What’s the big deal? This is seen as a serious act of idolatry - worshipping something other than God. It's considered a violation of God's law and a sign of deep spiritual problem in Judah. It was a way for Hezekiah to demonstrate his power and importance, but it ultimately led to God’s judgment. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and vanity. It highlights that excessive ambition and wanting to be seen as superior can lead to disobedience and punishment. It's a reminder that true worship comes from a place of humility and obedience to God, not from seeking personal glory. In short: Hezekiah’s actions were a big mistake – he built many altars and demanded everyone worship at just one, which angered God and ultimately led to disaster for Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of Hezekiah? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader theological sense?