Definition: Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 12:13. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of the story of King Hezekiah’s downfall. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant loss of valuable items that were meant to be used for worship and honoring God. It highlights a serious betrayal and a loss of spiritual significance. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD…” – This is key! “Howbeit” means "but" or "yet." It sets up a contrast. It's saying that despite having valuable items, like bowls, snuffers, and trumpets, they weren’t specifically intended to be used for God’s worship. “…bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets…” – These are all things that were traditionally used in religious ceremonies to honor God and express reverence. They represent the highest level of ritual and devotion. "...or vessels of gold, or vessels of silver..." - Again, this highlights the preciousness of these items. They weren't just any ordinary objects; they were symbols of divine favor and holiness. "...of the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.” – This is where it gets interesting. The money meant to be used for sacrifices and offerings wasn’t specifically intended for religious purposes. It had been given to Hezekiah’s officials, and they were using it for… well, we'll see why. The Significance & What Happened Next: This verse tells us that Hezekiah, King of Judah, was tricked into giving a large sum of money to his officials. These officials then used this money to pay off a debt owed to Sinellah, a man who was known to be an enemy of the king. This meant Hezekiah’s treasury was emptied, and he lost a significant amount of wealth and prestige. In short, the verse is a story about greed, betrayal, and the consequences of prioritizing worldly possessions over spiritual matters. It's a warning against temptation and highlights the importance of focusing on God's will above all else. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Explore why this story is significant in biblical history? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today?