Definition: For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a really important passage in the Old Testament that speaks about a significant shift in the history of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of 2 Kings, which tells us about the reign of King Solomon and the subsequent events surrounding his son, Jeroboam. Basically, God told David to give some of his people to a neighboring kingdom – Egypt. But, after some time, God decided he wanted to make Israel independent and follow him directly. Here’s a breakdown of what's happening: “For he rented Israel from the house of David…” This means God is taking control of the Israelites, giving them back to him. It’s a move away from their own leadership and towards a relationship with God. “…and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king:” This tells us that this was a specific leader – Jeroboam – who was given to the Israelites. He was a young man born to a foreign family, and he became king. "...and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD…” This is the crucial part. Jeroboam led the Israelites away from God’s laws and guidance. He started making their own idols and worshipping other things instead of focusing on the one true God. “…and made them sin a great sin.” This means that because they were straying from God, Israel began to commit serious sins – actions that are considered wrong or harmful by God’s standards. What it's saying: This verse is a warning about the dangers of disobedience and turning away from God. It highlights that when people choose to worship other gods or live in ways that contradict God’s will, they risk serious consequences – including sin and brokenness. It’s a reminder that true loyalty and devotion lies with God. In short: God was giving Israel back to him, but Jeroboam led them down a path of disobedience, leading them to commit terrible sins. --- Important Note: This is a complex verse. It's important to remember the historical context of the time and that this story has a significant theological message about faithfulness and obedience to God. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the significance of Jeroboam’s actions? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?