👉 Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me by a present, and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really strange and frightening passage from the Book of Kings, and it speaks about a terrible invasion. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a king named Hezekiah in Judah (a region near Jerusalem) being tricked by Assyria – a powerful empire located far to the east. Hezekiah is offered a deal: he’ll agree to let Assyria eat everything that grows in his land – his vineyards, his fig trees, and even his wells. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Hearken not to Hezekiah…” : This is a warning to everyone nearby. It’s telling us to be cautious and avoid being tricked. “…for thus saith the king of Assyria…” : This is the speaker – the Assyrian king – making a very bold claim. “Make an agreement with me by a present…” : Hezekiah is offered a deal , a promise, or a gift in exchange for something. It’s like saying, “Let’s make a partnership.” “…and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:” This is the really scary part. Hezekiah is being asked to completely surrender his land – everything he owns – to Assyria. “every man of his own vine” : Hezekiah’s vineyards and fig trees are individual properties. “and every one of his fig tree” : His entire fig tree is at risk! “and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:” This means he’s being asked to completely drain his wells, which are vital sources of water for his crops and people. What's the Significance? This verse is a powerful example of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control, and He doesn’t tolerate disrespect or defiance. The Danger of Complacency: Hezekiah was so focused on his own prosperity that he wasn't paying attention to God’s warnings. The Importance of Obedience: This verse shows that obedience to God’s commands is essential for safety and protection. It's a warning against being tricked or misled. In short, this verse describes a terrible and deliberate act of aggression from an enemy, demanding the complete surrender of land and resources. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context about the time it was written? Compare it to another similar biblical passage?
