Definition: And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 11:9: “And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah.” It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a powerful and ambitious king. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of elites – the "Adoraim" (often translated as “the counselors” or “the advisors”), “Lachish” (which is a bit unclear, but likely refers to a significant military force), and “Azekah” (a place of refuge or a fortified area) – who were ordered to worship idolatrous gods and provide lavish gifts to the Assyrian king, Shalmaneser. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: Adoraim: This is probably the most crucial part. “Adoraim” means counselors, advisors, or those entrusted with important decisions. In this context, they were powerful officials – kings, priests, and nobles – who had a lot of influence in the king’s court. Lachish: This refers to a large contingent of soldiers, likely the elite guard and military force of Shalmaneser. They were crucial for maintaining order and defending the king's territory. Azekah: This is where it gets really interesting – this place was a fortified location, probably a stronghold or a strategic base. It symbolized a place of power and security for the Assyrian king. The Significance - What Did They Do? The verse describes a systematic plan to provide lavish gifts and religious sacrifices to Shalmaneser. This wasn’t just about polite requests; it was an organized effort to worship false gods in order to gain Shalmaneser's favor and secure his kingdom. They were essentially creating a ritualistic offering to appease the king, hoping for good fortune and protection. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explicitly say why they were doing this. It’s a record of a deliberate strategy, driven by ambition and a desire for power. --- In short, it describes a carefully orchestrated plan to manipulate the king with religious displays. Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Chronicles? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?