Definition: And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty significant passage about repentance and a lost opportunity. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where people were collecting money – likely for a temple project or something important to God – but they were involved with a group called Hilkiah the high priest who was known for being corrupt and dishonest. They gathered this money from many different groups within Israel (Judah, Benjamin, all of Judah, and even some of the remaining people of Israel). Here’s what it's saying: “And when they came to Hilkiah…” : This refers to a specific group of people – likely high-ranking officials or leaders. “…they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God…” : They were returning this money, which was meant for something sacred and important to God. “which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of Judah and Benjamin” : This is the crucial part! The Levites – those who protected the temple – were responsible for keeping this money safe. They collected it from various groups within Israel. This group included: Manasseh & Ephraim: These two were particularly involved in the collection. The Remnant of Israel and Judah and Benjamin: Basically, all the remaining people of Israel who were still connected to the original community – a remnant of the nation. What happened next? They returned this money to Jerusalem . This was a big deal because it meant they had to bring it back to where God’s house was located – Jerusalem. The Significance: This verse is telling us about a serious problem: Corruption and dishonesty within the leadership. It suggests that these people were prioritizing their own gain (the money) over God's will and the well-being of his people. Overall Message: It’s a warning to be vigilant against those who are dishonest and prioritize personal benefit over righteousness and loyalty to God. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, or would you like me to connect it to something specific in the Bible? For example, are you interested in: The meaning of a particular word or phrase? How this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?