Definition: And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 21:6. It’s a really powerful and disturbing passage about King Zechariah’s actions and their consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Zechariah’s Sin: The verse describes King Zechariah as being incredibly cruel and wicked. He made his son, Ben-Soar , go through the fire – a terrifying ordeal! Trying to Provoke God’s Anger: This isn't just a random act of cruelty. Zechariah was actively trying to make God angry with his actions. He wanted to test God's judgment and show him how displeased he was. Let’s unpack the details – it’s a bit complex, but here’s what it means: “He made his son pass through the fire…” : This is the core of the story. The Bible describes this as an incredibly painful and dangerous experience for Ben-Soar. It was meant to be a test of his faith and obedience. “…and observed times, and used enchantments…” : This suggests Zechariah employed magical practices – things that weren’t understood or accepted by the people at the time – to try to influence God's judgment. These "enchantments" could have involved rituals or anything else to manipulate the divine. “…and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards…” : This highlights that Zechariah was dealing with entities beyond human understanding - spirits, demons, and possibly other supernatural beings. He was actively trying to provoke these forces to do his bidding. What's the Significance? This verse is a warning about the dangers of: Idolatry: Seeking out false gods or powers instead of worshipping God. Manipulation & Control: Attempting to control or influence divine judgment through harmful practices. Ignoring God’s Will: Zechariah’s actions were driven by a desire to test and provoke God, rather than seeking to honor Him. Overall Message: The verse paints a picture of a king who prioritized his own desires and power over God's will. It’s a stark example of how even seemingly minor actions can have significant consequences for the people and the kingdom. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story about the history of Israel and the rise and fall of kingdoms. It highlights a period of intense conflict and moral decline. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the symbolism of fire in biblical stories? How this relates to the larger story of Israel’s history?