Definition: And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 22:12. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex passage about a king and a rebellion. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: King David was King of Israel. He was a powerful, but also flawed, leader. A Rebellion: Around the time this verse is written (around 930 BC), there was a serious rebellion against King David’s rule – led by his daughter, Absalom. This rebellion threatened the entire kingdom. God's Protection: God, in His wisdom, decided to protect His people and intervene. He chose to hide David and his family within the house of God (a sacred building). Six Years of Waiting: For six years, God remained hidden, protecting David and his family. This was a long period of waiting – a time of peace and security. Athaliah Takes Over: Finally, Athaliah, Absalom’s sister, seized power and became Queen of Israel. She was ruthless and determined to eliminate anyone who threatened her reign. Putting it Together - A Simple Explanation: God chose to hide David and his family within the house of God for six years. This wasn't a punishment – it was a strategic move to protect the kingdom from rebellion. During that time, Athaliah became Queen, but she didn't truly represent David’s rule or the people he ruled over. Key Takeaway: The verse highlights God’s protection and His deliberate intervention in history, even when it seems like things are going wrong. It also shows how power can shift unexpectedly. Important Note: This is a very dramatic and somewhat unsettling passage. It’s important to understand the context of the time – during a period of intense political turmoil and rebellion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of the story in more detail? Offer a different perspective on the meaning?