Definition: And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in [their] robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important passage about leadership and God’s presence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense religious gathering when King Jehoshaphat (a king of Judah) and the King of Israel were both sitting on their thrones – essentially, elevated thrones – together in a specific place. It's a really significant scene because it shows God’s presence powerfully at that time. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the king of Israel…” - This refers to King Jehoshaphat, who was leading the people of Israel during a time of great need – a period of invasion and chaos. “…and Jehoshaphat king of Judah…” - This identifies him as a ruler of Judah, another kingdom in Israel. “sat either of them on his throne…” - They were both seated on their thrones, which was a sign of respect and authority. “clad in [their] robes…” - This is key! “Robes” here refers to ceremonial garments, likely symbols of royalty and holiness. It suggests they were dressed for a special occasion. “…and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria.” – This is where it gets really interesting. The "void place" refers to a specific area near the entrance of the ancient city of Samaria (which was important for trade and travel). They were sitting right at the threshold, as people entered the city. “and all the prophets prophesied before them.” - This is the most important part. Prophets were essentially messengers who spoke to God and the people about what was happening. They were delivering messages of warning, hope, and guidance. They were speaking while they sat there. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse speaks of a time when God was actively present with His people. It’s not just a casual gathering; it's a moment where God is leading and watching . The fact that the prophets were speaking before them emphasizes that God was listening, observing, and guiding their actions. It suggests that God was particularly focused on this particular group of people during this time. In short: It’s a picture of a powerful religious assembly where King Jehoshaphat and his court were in a special position, receiving a message from God while he was looking down upon them. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these words or phrases in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories? Give you a quick summary of the context (when did this happen)?