Definition: And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 3:2. It’s a really important passage about God's judgment and the importance of resisting idolatry – worshipping false gods. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very dramatic event that happened when King Solomon’s idol of Baal was discovered. Baal was a powerful, terrifying god who was worshipped by many people in the land. Let's unpack the key parts: “And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD…” – This is a strong statement. It means that God saw something very wrong and harmful happening. It wasn’t just a small mistake; it was a deliberate act of defiance against God. “…but not like his father, and like his mother:” - This is where it gets interesting. The verse immediately contrasts this with what happened before. It's not like a similar act of idolatry that occurred in the past (like when the Israelites worshipped other gods). “For he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.” – This is the crucial part! It means King Solomon successfully destroyed Baal’s idol. He took it down and cast it into the fire. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse emphasizes God’s absolute power and judgment against those who disobey him. It's a clear message about: God’s Sovereignty: He is in control of everything, even our choices and actions. The Danger of Idolatry: Worshiping false gods is wrong because it turns people away from God and leads to their downfall. God’s Protection: By destroying Baal's idol, God showed that he will protect His people from evil and temptation. In a nutshell: This verse tells us that God isn't just concerned with what we do, but how we worship. It’s about rejecting false idols – anything that doesn’t recognize and obey God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Give you a brief summary of the historical context?