Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 33 - Verse 5

In this verse, it is described that King Solomon built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. This action by King Solomon was considered a grave sin and an act of idolatry. The "host of heaven" refers to the various deities, gods, and celestial bodies worshipped by pagan cultures during that time. By building altars for these false gods within the premises of the temple dedicated to the one true God, Yahweh, King Solomon was defiling the sacred space and going against the commandments of God. This act of syncretism and idol worship ultimately led to the downfall of Israel spiritually and paved the way for the eventual division of the kingdom. It serves as a warning to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and not to stray away from worshipping the one true God. This verse is a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and avoiding the temptation of idolatry.

Interpreting the building of altars for the host of heaven within the house of the LORD requires a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious context of that time. The "host of heaven" refers to the celestial beings or stars which were often worshipped as deities in ancient religions. This act of setting up altars for these celestial beings within the temple of the LORD was a clear violation of the first commandment - "You shall have no other gods before me." It represents a form of idolatry and syncretism, where the worship of the true God is mixed with the worship of other gods. This verse serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of compromising one's faith by incorporating practices and beliefs that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful and exclusive in our worship of the one true God.