Definition: And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 26:20. It's a really significant and dramatic passage about a man named Azariah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Azariah was a high-ranking priest in the Temple of Jerusalem, and he was facing a serious problem. The Lord God was punishing him for a sin he hadn't fully confessed. He was marked with leprous spots on his forehead – a sign of punishment for his wickedness. What Happened Next: The Crowd Watches: A large crowd gathered to watch what happened. The Lord Strikes Him: The Lord God, in response to Azariah’s sin, struck him with a divine punishment. He was physically marked with leprous spots – essentially, he became infected with a disease that caused the spots. He Runs Away: Immediately after being marked, Azariah fled from the Temple. He didn't wait to see if it would get better; he knew he was in trouble and needed to escape. What It Means - A Summary of the Message: This verse is a story about God’s judgment and His power over sin. It speaks to several important ideas: God’s Justice: The Lord is acting with righteous justice, punishing those who have wronged Him. Divine Punishment: The leprous spots are a visible sign of God's punishment for Azariah's wrongdoing. Turning Away from Sin: Azariah’s desperate flight emphasizes the importance of turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of this verse is debated among biblical scholars. It’s a powerful moment in scripture, but it’s not always easy to fully understand its significance. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism of the leprous spots? Explain what "smitten" might mean in this context?