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2 Kings 16:4

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the worship sites on hilltops, on the hills, and under every leafy tree.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse describes someone worshiping false gods at outdoor shrines instead of following God's commands to worship only at the temple in Jerusalem.

📚 Historical Context

In the context of 2 Kings 16, King Ahaz of Judah reigned during a time of political turmoil and Assyrian influence, where he rejected God's laws by engaging in idolatry. He sacrificed and burned incense in high places, on hills, and under green trees, which were traditional sites for Canaanite pagan rituals that the Israelites were commanded to avoid. This reflected the broader cultural and religious syncretism that plagued Judah, leading to spiritual decline as described in the books of Kings.

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