Definition: Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important passage from the Old Testament and it speaks about a specific task and a crucial role for someone. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to find someone who is skilled at working with precious metals – gold, silver, brass (a type of metal), iron, and even colors like purple and crimson – and who can also handle things related to death and the end of days. It’s looking for a person who's knowledgeable about how to handle things that are important in the future. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Send me now therefore…” : This is a command from God, instructing someone to find this person. It suggests urgency and importance. “…a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue…” : This describes the type of person God wants us to look for. “Cunning” means clever, intelligent, and resourceful. This person needs to be good at working with different metals – it’s not just about knowing a few things; they need to be proficient in many. “…and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem…” : This is the most important part . "Skill to grave" means to know how to handle death and end-of-days matters. It suggests they need to be knowledgeable about: The future: God is looking ahead, anticipating a time of great difficulty and danger (the “grave”). Jewish people (Judah): This places the focus on the Jewish people in Jerusalem, which was a very important area during this time. Jerusalem: It’s about protecting and managing things that are vital for the future of the Jewish community. In short, this verse is saying we need someone who is exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable – perhaps even a leader – to help us prepare for a difficult period in the future, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of the Jewish people. Historical Context (Important!) This passage comes from 2 Chronicles, which is part of the Bible’s historical narrative. It was written during a time of great political upheaval and potential conflict between Israel and its enemies. The “cunning men” likely refer to leaders or advisors who were tasked with preparing for war and defending the kingdom. Does this verse have a specific message? Yes, it's a message about: Responsibility: God is placing responsibility on us to protect our people. Preparation: We need to be proactive in anticipating potential dangers. Wisdom & Knowledge: It highlights the importance of intelligence and understanding – both practical skills and spiritual knowledge – for navigating challenging times. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical significance? Compare it to another Bible passage about leadership or preparation?