Definition: But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: [is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really important one dealing with God’s perspective on how people should behave and what’s allowed. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s holiness and His absolute control over his people. It’s saying that He has established specific places – “altars” – for worship in a particular area, and it’s unsettling to think someone might be worshipping outside of those designated areas. Let's unpack the parts: "But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God:" This is a phrase meaning “If you say to me…” – It's a way of acknowledging that God is in charge and has authority. "[is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away..." This is the crucial part. It refers to King Hezekiah, who was ruling over Judah and Jerusalem at this time. Hezekiah had removed specific altars and places of worship. This is a significant event because it demonstrates that God wasn't just allowing people to worship freely; He was actively restricting it. "...and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?" This means that God has commanded the people of Judah and Jerusalem to only worship at a specific altar – in Jerusalem itself. What's the message? The verse is essentially saying: “God sees these people as disrespectful. They’re prioritizing their own desires or beliefs over His authority and are disrupting the established order.” It’s warning against idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after a period of conflict and perhaps a sense of rebellion among the Israelites, particularly concerning their worship practices. It highlights a shift in God’s judgment and His desire to restore order and holiness. In short: This verse is a warning about the dangers of disobeying God's commands and prioritizing personal desires over His authority – especially when it comes to sacred places dedicated to Him. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?