This part of the story of the kings of Israel is always sad to me. It seems like the leaders are confused about how to lead God’s people. Instead of working in the basics and following God’s laws, they choose to mix what they know is truth with what they hope to be true. The lesson for us is to know that following God and having a relationship with Him is not that complicated. It is simply a matter of obedience and trusting God to be all we need.