Definition: And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 22:36. It’s a really significant and somewhat dramatic passage from the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive, urgent warning to the Israelites – the people of Israel – about a huge change in their lives. It's essentially saying that everything is going to be disrupted and transformed. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And there went a proclamation…” : This means a message was sent out, like an announcement. “…throughout the host” : "Host" in this context refers to the entire Israelite nation – all of them. It's not just a specific group; it’s everyone. "...about the going down of the sun." : This is the key part! The sun is literally setting. It's a metaphor for a significant and dramatic change. It wasn’t just about darkness, it was about a transformation . "saying, Every man to his city…” : This means "every person should go home to their own town or place." "...and every man to his own country.” : This is the crucial part. It means everyone must move to their own location – whether it’s back to their villages, to their homes, or even to different parts of the land. What's the Big Picture? This verse paints a picture of a time of great upheaval and change. The message is that everything will be disrupted. It suggests: A Time of Transition: The sun setting symbolizes a turning point – something big is about to happen. Disruption & Change: It’s not just a gradual shift; it's a complete upheaval, like the world changing around us. Moving Away From Home: It speaks to the idea that people will need to leave their familiar surroundings and return to where they belong. Why is this important? This verse was part of a larger story about God’s plan for Israel. It's often interpreted as a sign that God is preparing for a period of great conflict or challenge, and that the Israelites must prepare themselves by moving away from their old ways and returning to their homeland. In short: This verse warns the Israelites that a huge change is coming, and they need to move home – both physically and spiritually – to survive and thrive. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story from the Bible?