Definition: They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:33. It's a really important part of understanding what happened in ancient Israel during King Solomon’s reign. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “They started worshipping other gods after the Israelites had been exiled to Babylon. They were adopting the practices and deities of the peoples they left behind.” Let's unpack that a little further: "They feared the LORD..." - This refers to King David, who was incredibly devoted to God. It means he respected and acknowledged God’s power and holiness. "...and served their own gods..." – This is the key part. After being exiled, the Israelites started building temples and worshiping other gods. They weren't just passively observing; they were actively worshipping them. It was a shift from focusing on God to focusing on himself or something else. "...after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence." – This is where it gets more complex, but it’s about their behavior. “Thenesse” means “from thence,” which translates to “from the lands we had left.” So, they were adopting the practices and beliefs of the people they had been exiled from – like the Egyptians, Assyrians, and other nations – and mimicking them. What's the significance? This is a significant warning because it shows that the Israelites were turning away from God’s guidance and worship. It was a step towards idolatry – worshipping idols or false gods. It was a period of spiritual decline, which ultimately contributed to the downfall of Israel. In short: They abandoned their true faith and started worshipping foreign deities, showing a loss of reverence for God and a shift away from his plan for them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide more context about the time period? Discuss what this verse reveals about Israel's history?