Definition: And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 11:8. It's a really important and dramatic passage about how to handle a situation of extreme danger. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: This verse is telling us to be incredibly cautious and prepared when the king or his entourage are traveling through a dangerous area – likely a battlefield or a place where there’s a high risk of attack. It's essentially saying, “Stay alert and ready for anything.” Let’s unpack it word by word: “And ye shall compass the king round about…” - "Compass" means to turn around, to look around. This refers to carefully circling the king and his people as they move through a space. “…every man with his weapons in his hand:” – “Weapons” means swords, spears, arrows, anything that could be used to defend themselves. “In his hand” means they’re holding them ready for action. The point is – the king and his people are prepared to fight. “…and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain:” - “Ranges” refers to a safe, open area where the king can move without being immediately threatened. “Let him be slain” means that anyone who enters this safe space and attacks the king is considered dead. This is a very serious warning. “…and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in:” – “As he goes out” means they’re moving away, leaving the area. “As he cometh in” means they're returning, entering the area. This reinforces the idea that they’re constantly monitoring and ready to defend the king. In simpler terms: The verse is telling us to be vigilant and protective of the king. Don’t let anyone wander into a safe zone without being prepared to defend themselves. Stay close to him, always ready to fight if necessary. It's a command for strict security and preparedness. Why was this verse written? This passage is part of a larger story about a violent conflict between the Israelites and the Edomites. It’s a powerful warning about the dangers of unrestrained aggression and the importance of protecting those in power. It highlights the need for careful planning and defense, even when facing difficult circumstances. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Relate it to a specific historical event? Discuss its symbolism or meaning in a broader context?