Definition: And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 2 Chronicles 11:7: “And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam.” It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about a king who is trying to avoid punishment for his sins. Here’s the simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a king who is deliberately trying to avoid facing consequences for his wickedness. He’s setting up a situation where he’ll be punished, but he's actively working to make it as difficult as possible for anyone to come and stop him. Let’s unpack the names: Bethzur: This is a place name that sounds like a kingdom – suggesting a powerful and wealthy region. Shoco: Again, a place name, implying a significant area of land or territory. Adullam: This is a more mysterious and ominous name. It suggests a place of great importance, perhaps even a sacred site, but it’s also associated with darkness and hidden things. The Context – What's Happening? The verse describes a king named Jehoab who was trying to build a large temple in the region of Adullam (which is located near modern-day Lebanon). He was manipulating events, creating alliances, and generally making it look like he was acting on his own. The Key Point: The Bible says that Jehoab actively worked to cause trouble for those who came to challenge him. He used deception, hired enemies, and created a situation where people were trying to stop him, but he was always careful to ensure the consequences would be severe for anyone who dared oppose him. In short: It’s a story about a king who uses manipulation to avoid punishment, creating a dangerous game of avoidance. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of the time? What kind of "danger" Jehoab was trying to create?