Definition: Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 15:35 together. It’s a really interesting story about a time when God was actively working to protect His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem: The story begins with a group of people at a high place, likely a temple or shrine, who were still offering sacrifices and burning incense. This was a significant practice – they weren’t completely stopped! God's Concern: God was deeply concerned about this continued activity. He felt it was disrupting the holiness and peace of the place. The Solution: God then decided to build a new , even higher gate (a more prominent entrance) for the temple. This new gate would make it easier for people to enter and worship, but also demonstrate God’s presence more powerfully. Putting It All Together – Simple Explanation: “Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places.” "Howbeit..." - A Contrast: This word ("however") means "even though" or "although." It’s used to highlight a contrast between what was happening before and now. "...the high places were not removed..." – This is the main point: The practice of sacrificing and burning incense didn't stop . It continued. "...the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places." – This means that people were still performing these rituals, even though they weren’t completely stopped. What Does This Mean? This verse speaks to a time of potential danger or disruption. God was actively intervening to protect His people from idolatry (worshiping other things than Him) and to maintain the sanctity of His temple. It suggests a conflict between the people's practices and God’s will for holiness. Overall Significance: This passage is often interpreted as a reminder that even when we stop doing something, our actions can still have a significant impact on our relationship with God. It shows that God is constantly working to maintain order and protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or theme (like the judgment of Israel)?