Definition: So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 17:32. It’s a really important part of understanding how God’s plan worked during a time of great upheaval and fear. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God was preparing for a big, dangerous situation involving the Israelites. They were feeling anxious and worried because they were being pursued by enemies. He wanted to make sure that everyone – even the lowest members of society – would be prepared to offer sacrifices to God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So they feared the LORD…” - This means they started to respect and recognize that God was in charge, and that He was powerful and could do whatever He wanted. It wasn't just a casual acknowledgement; there was a growing sense of awe and submission. “…and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places…” - This is where it gets interesting. God decided to assign specific roles to people within the community, even those who weren’t officially priests (a religious role). He told these people to be responsible for offering sacrifices – a way to show their devotion and gratitude to God. The “lowest of them” part is key - it meant that ordinary people, maybe laborers or servants, were given this responsibility. “…which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.” - This describes what these people were actually doing . They were being instructed to go into the temples and offer sacrifices – essentially, to give gifts and worship to God. These sacrifices happened in the "high places" which were a special area within the temple where the most important rituals took place. So, what’s the big takeaway? God was intentionally setting up a system where everyone could be involved in offering worship and devotion to Him. It wasn't just the powerful or elite; it was everyone, regardless of their status or position. It shows that God wanted to build a community united with Him, and that He valued participation from all people. Important Context: This passage is part of a larger story about Joseph’s dream and the Israelites’ future. It sets the stage for the events that would lead to the division of the kingdom and ultimately, the exile. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide more context (like who these “lowest” people were)? Discuss what this passage might symbolize about God's love and acceptance of everyone?