Definition: Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 32:31. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage about Daniel! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes Daniel being placed in a difficult situation – essentially, he’s being tested by God. He’s not just being tested; he’s being left to figure things out on his own. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon…” : This is a fancy way of saying “while Daniel was dealing with the envoys or representatives of Babylon.” Babylon was a powerful and often troublesome kingdom at the time. These ambassadors were trying to understand what was happening in Jerusalem. “…who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done…” : The Babylonians were asking Daniel why things were happening in Jerusalem – specifically, they wanted to know what was unusual or extraordinary. "...in the land..." : This is a general statement; it means the situation is happening within the context of Jerusalem itself. “God left him…” : This is the crucial part. God decided to let Daniel face this challenge alone. "...to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.” This is where it gets really profound. It’s not just about what happened; it's about how Daniel reacted and what he thought. God wanted to see if Daniel could understand the bigger picture – his faith, his understanding of His purpose, and his emotional response to events. In short: Daniel was put in a position where he had to grapple with something significant and mysterious. It's like being dropped into a puzzle where you have to figure out the solution yourself, without anyone telling you exactly what it is. God is testing him to see if he can handle this challenge and understand His will. Why is this important? This passage highlights several key themes: Divine Sovereignty: God controls everything, even when we're in difficult situations. Testing of Faith: It shows that faith isn’t always about doing things right; it’s about the response to challenges. Inner Transformation: God wants us to grow and understand our own hearts – to know what is truly important. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Explore its symbolism within the context of Daniel’s role?