Definition: Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 34:18. It's a really significant and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: A Book is Revealed: The core of the verse is that a scribe named Shaphan delivered a book to King David. The Book Contains a Secret: This book wasn’t just any ordinary document. It contained information about a future, terrible event – a great battle and a devastating loss for Israel. The Priest's Role: The priest, Hilkiah, was present when the book was read before the King. What Does it Mean? (A Simplified Explanation) This verse suggests that the king was receiving news about impending doom - essentially, a prophecy of significant disaster. It implies that the king wasn’t just hearing general reports; he was privy to information about something truly serious and potentially catastrophic. Important Context – It's About a Future War: The most widely accepted interpretation is that this verse describes a future battle between Israel and its enemies, specifically a large-scale uprising against David’s kingdom. The book containing the prophecy was revealed before the king to prepare him for what was coming. Key Takeaway: This verse speaks of divine foreknowledge and the king being aware of an impending disaster, prompting him to seek guidance and prepare for it. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage has been debated by scholars for centuries, and there’s still a lot we don't fully understand. It’s a complex message about divine providence and the king’s responsibility in facing potential threats. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any particular aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the significance of the prophecy itself? The context of 2 Chronicles within the larger narrative of David's reign and Israel’s history?