Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 9

This verse from the book of 2 Kings highlights the disobedience of the children of Israel towards the Lord their God. The Israelites were accused of secretly committing wrongful acts and building high places for idol worship in all their cities, from the watchmen towers to the fortified cities. This behavior goes against the commandments of God, who had instructed his people to worship only Him and to refrain from idolatry. The high places mentioned in the verse were typically used for pagan rituals and offerings to false gods, which angered the Lord and led to his disapproval of the Israelites' actions. The verse serves as a warning against straying from the path of righteousness and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that come with disobedience and the need to always keep God at the center of one's life.

In this verse, the children of Israel are described as secretly doing things that were not right against the Lord their God. This suggests that they were engaging in sinful behavior while trying to keep it hidden from others. The act of building high places in all their cities from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city was a form of idolatry that went against God's commands. High places were often used for pagan worship and sacrifices to false gods, a practice that was strictly prohibited in the Old Testament. By engaging in these forbidden practices, the Israelites were turning away from the one true God and violating their covenant with Him. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of secret sin and the consequences of straying from God's commandments. It also emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptation to worship other gods or engage in sinful behavior.