Definition: And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 23:13. It's a really important passage about a terrible act of desecration. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Story: Historical Context: This verse comes after the death of King Josiah, who had been trying to purify the land and build a temple dedicated to God. “High Places” – A Special Place: The “high places” are referring to special locations built for idolatrous worship – places where people focused on other gods instead of worshipping Yahweh (God). These were often built in areas that were considered spiritually corrupt or dangerous. The Ashtoreth Obstagies: The " Ashtoreth" part is crucial. It’s a very old, mysterious name for a goddess – Ashtoreth – from the Zidon Valley. She was worshipped as an abomination (a thing that is unnatural or evil) and was associated with strange rituals and sacrifices. The “Zidonians” and “Moabites” were two groups of people who worshipped her. Solomon’s Buildings: King Solomon, after Josiah's death, built these special places – temples dedicated to Ashtoreth – for these groups. This shows a pattern of prioritizing idolatry over worshiping Yahweh. What the Verse Says - A Warning: “And the king defile.” This means the king had made these places sacred to false gods, and therefore, they were considered unclean and dangerous. It was a deliberate act of desecrating God’s presence. The Significance & What it Means: This is a very serious warning from God about the dangers of idolatry (worshiping other gods instead of Yahweh). It shows that: God's Presence is Sacred: God doesn’t tolerate worship that goes against His will and His holiness. It's a Threat to Salvation: The act of defiling these places was seen as a threat to the people who were being saved by God’s grace through faith in him. In short, it tells us that the king had broken a covenant with God and risked his own soul by worshiating false gods. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on general biblical understanding. Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to explain it in a different way? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of the time? What it means for believers today?