Definition: And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God, [and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet [speaking] from the mouth of the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 36:12. It's a pretty serious and significant passage about a king’s actions and God’s judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a king who disobeyed God and acted in a way that angered him. It’s essentially saying he ignored or failed to listen to the warnings of a prophet, and as a result, he caused trouble for himself and his people. Let's unpack it word by word: “And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God…” – This is a strong statement. "Evil" means wrong or sinful. It’s not just a minor mistake; it signifies something truly harmful and disrespectful to God. “In the sight of the Lord” means that God saw it, and he was displeased with it. “[and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD.” – This is the key part. It tells us who the "evil" act was. It says the king ignored a prophet named Jeremiah. Jeremiah was a prophet, meaning he spoke words of God and warned about impending disaster. The verse describes Jeremiah speaking from God to warn the king. Putting it together – What’s happening? The king refused to listen to Jeremiah's warnings. He didn't heed the signs or advice that God gave him. This disobedience caused trouble, likely leading to hardship for the people and possibly even disaster. God saw this and was very upset with the king's lack of respect and obedience. What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of: Disobeying God’s guidance: It emphasizes that we need to listen to God’s word, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Ignoring warnings: It highlights the importance of paying attention to signs and messages from those who are trusted. Pride and arrogance: The king's actions suggest a lack of humility – a tendency to think he knows better than God. In short, this verse is a reminder that obedience and respect for God’s word are crucial for maintaining a righteous life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to real-life situations? Discuss what the context of this passage might have been in ancient Israel?