Definition: Ahaz [was] twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:1. It’s a really important passage about leadership and God’s judgment. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:” Let’s unpack each part: “Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign…” – This tells us that Ahaz was just starting his role as king. He wasn't a seasoned leader yet. “…and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem…” – He ruled for sixteen years, which is a significant amount of time during the period of the divided kingdom. “but he did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD…” – This is the key part! It means that Ahaz wasn’t ruling justly or according to God's standards. He was making decisions that weren't good, righteous, or pleasing to God. "...like David his father:" – This is where it gets really significant. David was a hugely important king in the Old Testament. The verse says that Ahaz’s reign wasn't right because he wasn't following the example of his father, David. So, what does this mean? It suggests that Ahaz was making mistakes and leading poorly. He wasn’t a good ruler; he didn’t care about God’s will or the needs of his people. It highlights a pattern of flawed leadership that was causing trouble for Israel. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a warning against corruption in leadership. It reminds us that true kingship comes from God and requires obedience to His laws and commandments. It’s a call for humility, righteousness, and a focus on God's will – qualities that are essential for effective rule. --- In short: Ahaz was a king who ruled for a long time but wasn't doing a good job, and he wasn't following the example of his father, David, which shows a serious problem with his leadership. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the context of the Old Testament?

Definition: And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: [but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:10. It’s a really important and complex passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in plain language: “And now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: [but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?” Let's unpack it: "And now you purpose to keep under..." – This is a serious warning. It’s saying that now , they’re making a choice – a decision to control and enslave people. "...the children of Judah and Jerusalem..." - This refers to the Jewish people, specifically the Kingdom of Judah (which included Jerusalem) in ancient Israel. It's about their loyalty and obedience to God. "...for bondmen and bondwomen unto you:" – This is where it gets tricky. "Bondmen" and "bondwomen" are very unusual words from that era. They mean they’re being treated as property, like slaves. It suggests a system of forced labor and servitude. "[but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?" – This is the core of the warning. It's asking a crucial question: Are they truly serving God, or are they falling short of his will? It’s suggesting that they are engaging in behaviors that are considered sinful and rebellious against God. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of a period where the people of Judah were experiencing significant internal conflict and rebellion. It suggests a situation where they were being treated as possessions, potentially leading to oppression and disobedience. The verse is a call for repentance and a reminder that true loyalty and obedience to God requires more than just outward compliance – it demands a commitment to follow his laws and principles. Important Note: This passage was written in a time of great political instability and rebellion. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the potential consequences of rejecting God’s guidance and leading into sin. Why is this verse significant? It's a cornerstone of understanding the history of Israel and its relationship with God. It highlights the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and avoiding idolatry – all crucial for maintaining a righteous life according to the Bible. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Compare it to other biblical passages about loyalty or rebellion?

Definition: Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD [is] upon you.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:11. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about God’s reaction to a situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel Was Captive: The story begins with Israel, under King David, taking captives – people who were held as slaves – from their own people (their brothers). Think of it like being enslaved and forced to live a life of hardship. God is Furious: God sees this situation as wrong and unjust. He’s feeling intensely angry because these people are treated unfairly. What the Verse Says - A Warning & Request: “Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD [is] upon you.” "Now hear me therefore..." : This is a command from God to listen carefully. "...deliver the captives again..." : God wants to restore these people who were enslaved. It’s not just about letting them go, it's about bringing them back into their rightful place. "...which ye have taken captive of your brethren" : This is the key part. God is saying that he specifically wants to free these people – those who were held as slaves. It’s highlighting a particular group of people who are being treated unfairly. "...for the fierce wrath of the LORD [is] upon you." : This is the most important part. God is sending a very strong punishment (wrath) to those who have wronged these people. It's like saying, "This is a serious consequence for your actions." Overall Meaning - A Message of Justice & God’s Wrath: The verse essentially says: “God is angry with you because you treated your people unfairly. He will punish you severely as a result.” It’s a warning about the consequences of injustice and a call to repentance – to stop the wrongdoing that has caused this anger. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after a lengthy account of Israel's history, including their slavery. It highlights a significant moment where God is showing his power and punishing those who have abused his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to another Bible story or concept?

Definition: Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:12. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a battle happening in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: "Certain of the heads..." : This refers to prominent leaders – kings, priests, and officials – who were known for their power and influence. They were essentially the top guys in charge. "...of the children of Ephraim..." : Ephraim was a region in Israel, known for its people. "Children" here means these leaders were part of the Ephraimite group. "...Azariah the son of Johanan..." : This is a specific leader named Azariah. "...Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth..." : Another leader named Berechiah. “Meshillemoth” doesn’t have an easy translation, but it likely means someone associated with a powerful or secretive group. "...Jehizkiah the son of Shallum..." : And another leader – Jehizkiah. "Shallum" is also a name that suggests a connection to power and perhaps something ancient. "...Amasa the son of Hadlai..." : Finally, there’s Amasa, who was a prominent figure. What Did They Do? They stood up against someone else. This is the key part. They were essentially defending themselves against a larger group – those coming from war. The Overall Meaning (Putting it all together): This verse describes a gathering of powerful leaders, and they deliberately chose to oppose a larger force coming into their territory. It suggests a conflict or resistance was about to happen. It’s a snapshot of a time when there was tension and potential for trouble within Judah. Important Note: This is based on the text itself. The exact details of what they were resisting from war are not explicitly stated, but it's clear they were facing an enemy threat. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific element of the verse in more detail (like the context of the "war")? Give you a brief overview of the historical significance of this event?

Definition: And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD [already], ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and [there is] fierce wrath against Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:13. It's a really important and complex passage about God’s judgment and the consequences of sin. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is deeply disappointed with his people, Israel, because they are bringing people from Babylon (a powerful nation in ancient Middle East) into their land. It's not just a simple “don’t let them stay” – it’s a warning about the impact of their actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And said unto them…” : This is a formal, authoritative way for God to communicate with his people. He's speaking directly to the leaders of Israel. “…Ye shall not bring in the captives hither…” : "Captives" means people who were taken as prisoners by the Babylonians. “Hither” means "here." So, this means they are being allowed into Israel. "...for whereas we have offended against the LORD [already]…” : This is a crucial part. God is reminding them that they've already broken his rules and commandments. It’s like admitting to a mistake – they’re already on a path of wrongdoing. It emphasizes that this isn't a new offense, but an existing one. "...ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass…” : This is the core of the warning. God sees their actions as increasing their mistakes. He’s saying they are going further down a path of sin – adding more to what they already do wrong. “Sin” in this context refers to disobedience, breaking God's laws, and acting dishonestly. "...for our trespass is great, and [there] is fierce wrath against Israel.” : This is the consequence of their actions. “Great” means very serious and significant. "There" emphasizes that it’s a serious outcome. “Fierce wrath” means God’s intense anger and punishment – a deep, burning displeasure. It's not just mild disapproval; it’s a powerful judgment. In simpler terms: God is deeply upset because Israel is allowing people from Babylon into their land. They are already going wrong, and continuing to welcome them will only make things worse for Israel. God is punishing them with his wrath. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse speaks to a long history of rebellion against God. It’s a reminder that sin and disobedience have consequences, and it's important for people to repent (turn away from their wrongdoings) and seek God's forgiveness. It also highlights the importance of obeying God’s laws as a way of showing reverence and maintaining a good relationship with him. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in biblical history?

Definition: So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:14. It’s a pretty dramatic and important passage about a military victory! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: After a big battle, the soldiers who fought were leaving behind their possessions – the captured people and the loot they had gained. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So the armed men left…” This tells us there was a military campaign underway. People were fighting and soldiers were involved. “…the captives and the spoil.” "Captives" means people who were taken as prisoners of war. “Spoil” refers to the wealth, goods, and treasures they had obtained during the battle – things like gold, jewelry, and valuable items. What’s the Significance? This verse is significant because it shows: Victory and Reward: It highlights that a successful military campaign brings reward for those who fought. The soldiers were being released from their duties and given a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Leadership and Control: It emphasizes the authority of the leaders (the “princes”) – they are in charge of managing this victory and distributing the spoils. In short, it’s a story about a successful military battle ending with the soldiers being released and the rewards being distributed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the history surrounding this event?

Definition: And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting passage about a dramatic event in ancient Israel! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a massive and unusual event that happened when the Israelites (a group of people living near Jericho) were defeated by the city of Goliath. They captured the enemy soldiers – a huge group of people – and treated them incredibly well! Here’s what they did: Released the Captives: They didn't just leave the prisoners in a holding area. They released them, meaning they gave them freedom. Provided for Them: They gave the captured soldiers lavish gifts – clothes, food, and even horses! They made them comfortable and cared for them. Special Treatment: They didn’t just treat them like regular people. They took the weakest and most vulnerable ones (the “feeble”) and put them on horseback to carry them. Transported Them: They brought all of these freed soldiers, along with their plunder (their possessions), back to Samaria – a city known for its palm trees. The Significance & What it Means: This event was a really big deal because it showed God’s incredible care and protection for His people. It highlights: God's Love: It shows that God doesn’t just focus on winning battles; He also loves his people and wants to help them. Compassion & Justice: The act of treating the weak with special care demonstrates God's concern for everyone, including those who are vulnerable. It speaks to a sense of justice - giving someone a chance to be better. Overall, this verse tells us that God is willing to show mercy and generosity, even to his enemies. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Discuss the historical context (when this happened)? Connect this passage with other stories or biblical themes?

Definition: At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:16. It's a really important part of understanding a pivotal moment in ancient history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, King Ahaz was asking for help from the Assyrian kings. Let’s unpack that a little further: King Ahaz: This is a king who ruled in Judah during a time of great trouble. He was known for being selfish and making bad decisions. Sending to the Kings of Assyria: The Assyrians were a powerful empire located far away in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). They were known for their military strength and vast power. So, King Ahaz was essentially sending a plea for assistance to them . To help him: This is the key part! He was asking for support from the Assyrians to deal with a specific problem he was facing. What kind of problem was he facing? That's where it gets interesting and a bit mysterious. The Bible doesn’t give us the exact details, but it suggests that this help was needed because of something deeply troubling happening in Judah – likely a rebellion or a situation that threatened his kingdom. Why did he do this? It implies a desperate situation for the King, perhaps due to political maneuvering and a desire to maintain power at any cost. In short, it’s a story about a king seeking help from an external force – the Assyrians – when he was facing a significant crisis. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in biblical history? Discuss the context of this event in more detail?

Definition: For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:17. It’s a really significant event in Jewish history and it speaks to a lot of important themes. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Edom was attacking Judah: Back in the time of King Jehoiash, Edom – a northern kingdom – launched a major attack against Judah, which was then under rule by King Jehoiakim. They captured people: During this attack, the Edomites (a group of people from the north) took prisoners and carried them away. What it means in simpler terms: “For again, the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.” Here’s what it’s telling us: A violent conflict: This verse describes a significant battle or period of hostility between Edom and Judah. Edom was the aggressor: The Edomites were the ones who initiated the attack. They were actively trying to harm Judah. The result: Loss and suffering: They took prisoners, which is a major symbol of loss and hardship for the people of Judah. Why it’s important: This event is often interpreted as a sign that God was angered by the Edomite rebellion and their actions against his people. It's seen as a time when God showed his power and judgment. It's a reminder that even those who aren't necessarily "evil" can cause harm, and that God will hold them accountable. In short, it’s a story of conflict, loss, and divine punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide more context about the time period this event happened in? Discuss the significance of this event within Jewish history or theology?

Definition: The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:18. It’s a really important passage about a devastating attack by the Philistines. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: The Philistines Invaded: The Philistines were a group of people who lived in the coastal region of what is now Israel and Palestine. They had been expanding their territory for a long time. They Attackled: Around 2,000 years ago, they launched a major invasion of the low country (the southern part of Israel and Judah) and the south of Judah. They Took Cities: They didn't just wander around; they took several key cities – Bethshemesh, Ajalon, Gederoth, Shocho, and Timnah – along with the villages within them. They Settled There: Crucially, they then settled these cities. They made them their home! In simpler terms: The Philistines came to occupy these areas and make them their own. Key Takeaway: This verse tells us that the Philistines were a serious threat because they actively took control of several important towns in the region, demonstrating their growing power and ambition. Important Note: It's a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by Israel during this period. It highlights the need for vigilance and protection against potential enemies. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the significance of the cities taken. Explain the context of the time (the rise of the Philistines). Connect it to broader themes in biblical history?