Definition: And all the houses also of the high places that [were] in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke [the LORD] to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 23:19. It’s a really important passage about a shift in power and a show of repentance. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Bethel Was a Problem: In the past, the kings of Israel (and later, Judah) were trying to make God angry by punishing the people of Samaria – a region further east. They built cities there as a way to push God’s anger towards them. Josiah's Action: Josiah, the king who ruled during this time, took action to appease God. He essentially removed the cities and the people within those cities. Following His Actions: He then did something even more significant: he followed the actions he’d taken in Bethel (a small town near Jerusalem) – which was a very important place for worship. Putting it Together - What's Happening? Josiah essentially punished the people of Samaria by destroying their cities and the communities within them. He did this because the kings were trying to provoke God’s anger. By removing the cities, he was showing that he was bowing down to God and seeking his favor. Key Takeaway: This verse shows Josiah's commitment to worship God sincerely and acting in a way that demonstrated humility and obedience. It's about recognizing that true worship comes from a place of repentance and turning away from wrongdoing. Symbolic Meaning (a little deeper): It’s also a reminder that repentance is essential for maintaining a good relationship with God. Josiah’s actions, though perhaps harsh in the eyes of some, were ultimately driven by a desire to show respect to the Lord and restore peace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Provide more context about the time period?