Definition: He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:2 together. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it simply. Here's the gist: This passage tells us about King Hezekiah of Judah – a very important king in ancient Israel and Judah. It describes his reign and some details about his family. “He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign…” This means he started ruling at age 20, which is a significant time for a young king. “…and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem.” He ruled for 20 years in Jerusalem . That’s a long period of leadership! “And his mother’s name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.” This is the really important part. It tells us that his mother's name was Jehoaddan, and she was from Jerusalem. The word "of" before her name indicates it's a title – essentially, “her” or “she”. In simpler terms: He was a young king who ruled for 20 years in Jerusalem, and his mother’s name was Jehoaddan. What does this tell us about him? He was a young ruler: This suggests he wasn't very experienced or powerful at the start of his reign. He had a family: The mention of his mother and her name indicates he had children. Important Note: This verse is from a historical text that’s part of the Bible, specifically the book of 2 Kings. It's important to remember that ancient history can be interpreted differently over time. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse might be significant in biblical history? Discuss what it could mean in a broader context (like his kingdom)?

Definition: And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:20. It's a fascinating passage about King Solomon and how he handled his wealth. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that after King Solomon amassed a huge amount of gold and silver, he brought them to Jerusalem – the city where David was king – and buried them with his father,etzenath, and his wife, in the city. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they brought him on horses…” : This is a bit unusual! It suggests a very grand gesture of showing off his wealth. “…and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers…” : This means he buried them right where his father,etzenath, and wife lived – in the city of David. "...in the city of David." : This is the key part! It confirms that this burial happened during the reign of King David. What does it tell us about Solomon? This verse suggests a few things: He was incredibly wealthy: It highlights how much wealth he had accumulated, far beyond what was typical for a king at the time. He wasn't just hoarding it: By bringing it to Jerusalem, he wasn’t just keeping it secret. He was actively displaying his power and possessions in a public way. A symbolic gesture: Some biblical scholars believe this act was a symbolic representation of Solomon’s desire to be remembered as a powerful king – perhaps even as being part of the royal lineage that led to David. Important Note: It's a bit of a mystery why he did this, and it’s been interpreted in different ways over time. It wasn’t necessarily about honoring David or showing off his power; it was likely a symbolic act with deep religious significance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which [was] sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:21. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling part of biblical history. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Azariah was a young man: The verse tells us that Azariah, a young man from Judah (a region in Israel), was appointed as a royal advisor to King Amaziah. He was taken away: Instead of being left to rule, Amaziah decided to make Azariah king. The people of Judah took him: The people of Judah – that’s the area around Jerusalem and its surrounding lands – took Azariah and made him king. What it means in a nutshell: This is a story about betrayal and corruption within a royal family. It highlights a moment where someone who was meant to be a servant or advisor was elevated to a position of power, and then deliberately used for their own benefit. Why it's significant: It shows favoritism: It reveals that King Amaziah was prioritizing his own desires over the well-being and loyalty of his people. It raises questions about justice: It suggests a potential problem with the system of kingship in ancient Judah, where power could be abused. It's a warning (potentially): Some interpretations suggest it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of loyalty to God and his people. Important Note: The exact details of this story are debated among scholars. It's a complex event with many possible explanations, but it's generally understood as a moment where a king prioritized personal gain over the good of his kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail? Give you some broader background on ancient Judah and its kings?

Definition: He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:22. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it as follows: The Basic Story: This verse describes a period of time when King Jehoash of Judah rebuilt a city called Elath. Here’s the key part: Elath was Once a Major City: Before this, Elath was a significant and powerful city in Judah. King Jehoash Rebuilt It: King Jehoash, after a long period of hardship, decided to rebuild Elath. The King Took a Break: But here’s the surprising part: While he was rebuilding, King Jehoash slept with his fathers . This means he wasn't actively involved in the city's affairs. What it Means – A Bit More Insight: A Period of Weakness: This verse tells us that Judah was experiencing a time of weakness and instability. The rebuilding of Elath is seen as a response to a difficult situation, perhaps a loss of power or influence. The King’s Disconnection: His lack of involvement meant the city wasn't properly managed or defended. A Reminder of Responsibility: It's a reminder that even rulers need to be involved and responsible for their people – not just sitting on a throne. In short, it’s about a king who took a break from his duties and didn’t adequately care for the city he ruled. Important Note: The verse itself doesn’t give us a lot of detail about why King Jehoash slept with his fathers. It's a bit mysterious, but it’s important to understand that it highlights a potential lapse in judgment or responsibility. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse, or would you like me to explain another Bible passage?

Definition: In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, [and reigned] forty and one years.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a bit about wealth and power – here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that after a long period of time, Israel (specifically, the kingdom under King David) started to become wealthier and more powerful. It describes a shift in leadership and a significant increase in resources for the king, Jeroboam. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “In the fifteenth year…” : This tells us this happened during a specific time – fifteen years ago. “Amaziah the son of Joash…” : This is a name – Amaziah was a king of Judah (part of Israel). He was the son of Joash, who was a king of Judah before him. “…king of Israel…” : Later, Jeroboam became king of Israel, which means he ruled over the entire kingdom of Israel. “began to reign in Samaria…” : Samaria is an important city-state in Israel. This means Amaziah started ruling there. “[and reigned] forty and one years.” : He reigned for a period of 40 and one years – which is about 41 years! What does it tell us about the relationship between the kingdoms? This verse suggests that after a time, Israel’s wealth and power began to grow. Amaziah's reign was significant because he became king in a place with a lot of resources - Samaria. It hints at a growing divide and potential tension between the two kingdoms (Israel and Judah) as they both started accumulating wealth. Important Note: The Bible often deals with complex situations. This verse is about a shift in leadership and wealth, but it doesn't necessarily explain why things changed that dramatically. It’s more about the fact of the change. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of biblical history? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a pretty serious statement about King Solomon’s actions and the consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that King Solomon was incredibly selfish and disobeyed God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD…” – This is a strong way of saying “He did something wrong.” "Evil in the sight of the Lord" means he acted in a way that displeased God. It wasn't just a minor mistake; it was a significant transgression. “…he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.” – This is the core of the verse. It refers to King Solomon’s brother, Jeroboam, who was the king of Israel during Solomon's time. He was known for making Israel disobey God by allowing them to practice idolatry (worshiping other gods). “Departed not from all the sins…” – This means he continued to do wrong things that were part of the same pattern of disobedience. It wasn’t just one single act, but a long-standing trend. “…Jeroboam the son of Nebat” - He was the one who started this chain of disobedience. “who made Israel to sin.” – This is the key point: Solomon allowed his people to sin, and he didn’t stop. In short, the verse warns that Solomon was a terrible person because he continued to disobey God's commands and encouraged his people to practice idolatry. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and disobedience. Important Context: This passage is from the Book of 2 Kings, which tells us about King Solomon’s reign and his mistakes. It’s part of a larger story of Israel's history and shows that even powerful rulers can fall short of God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?

Definition: He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here's what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant act of giving back land to Israel after a period of prosperity. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He restored the coast of Israel…” : This refers to a specific area along the coast of Israel, likely near Hamath (a coastal city). It's about reclaiming something that was lost or diminished. “…from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain…” : This gives us a geographical starting point. "Entering" means being conquered or taken over. “The sea of the plain” is a vast area, probably the coastal plains south of Israel. So, it’s about returning land that was lost to enemies. “…according to the word of the LORD God of Israel…” : This is crucial – it's not just any land being returned. It’s specifically done by God Himself, using a person named Jonah. “…which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet…” : This tells us who did this. "Jonah" was a prophet, and “the hand of his servant” means someone who was assigned to carry out this task. Putting it all together – What’s happening? God, through his servant Jonah, decided that Israel needed land back. He sent Jonah to return some land back to Israel. He did this by using a person named Jonah and gave him instructions to do so. Important Context (Why is this significant?) This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible about God’s plan for Israel. It's a reminder that God often works through people and gives back what He gives away to those who are truly faithful. In short, it’s a story about God restoring land to his people, and it highlights His care and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in the Bible? Give you a slightly more detailed explanation of Jonah's role?

Definition: For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, [that it was] very bitter: for [there was] not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and somewhat sobering passage about how the Lord God dealt with Israel in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God was very upset by the situation in Israel. He saw that it was a terrible problem, and that there wasn't enough help available to protect them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel…” – This means God noticed something wrong with Israel. It wasn’t just a minor issue; it was a significant problem. The word "affliction" suggests deep sadness, pain, and hardship. “…that it was] very bitter…” - “Bitter” means painful and sour. The verse emphasizes that this wasn't just a simple inconvenience – it was a deep problem for the Israelites. It felt like they were in serious trouble. “…for [there was] not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper…” - This is the most important part. It means that there wasn't enough people or resources to protect Israel from danger. “Shut up” could mean being trapped or isolated, and “left” suggests they were vulnerable – without anyone to help them. "No helper" implies a lack of support. What’s the significance? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of overspending or accumulating wealth. It highlights that God doesn't just care about people, but also about their well-being and security. It suggests that sometimes, focusing on material possessions can be a problem for others. In short: The verse shows that God was deeply concerned about Israel’s suffering because they weren’t adequately protected. Important Note: This is a complex passage with different interpretations over time. It's important to remember that it’s rooted in the historical context of the Old Testament and the challenges faced by the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you more context about the situation in Israel during this time? Compare this verse to other Bible stories about wealth or responsibility?

Definition: And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:27. It’s a really interesting and slightly surprising one! Here's what it means in plain language: Basically, God isn’t punishing Israel for something they did. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven…” – This is a bit tricky. “Blot out” usually means to erase or completely remove something. God wasn't saying he wanted to take away Israel's identity, meaning their name. It’s like saying he didn’t want to change what they were called. "...but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash." – This is the key part! Jeroboam was a king who was known for being rebellious and trying to do things differently than the rest of Israel. God chose him, specifically , to be instrumental in protecting Israel from disaster. So, what does this mean? It suggests that God’s plan wasn't just about letting Israel drift or face hardship on its own. He actively intervened and provided a safeguard – Jeroboam – to help them survive. It's a story of divine providence working through a human leader. The Context is Important: This verse is part of a larger story about the kingdom of Israel and its relationship with God. It’s often interpreted as a reminder that God works in mysterious ways, and sometimes, even those who seem like enemies can be involved in protecting what He has chosen. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss the role of Jeroboam in more detail? Give you some different interpretations of the verse?

Definition: Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, [which belonged] to Judah, for Israel, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:28. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it as follows: The Basic Idea: This passage is about Jeroboam, a powerful king in ancient Israel, and his actions that led to him losing control over land and resources. Here's a simplified explanation: Jeroboam was a big deal: The verse recounts the story of Jeroboam, who ruled over Israel for a while. He was known for being a strong military leader and expanding his territory. He fought and gained land: Jeroboam fought wars and conquered places like Damascus and Hamath (which were in Judah – part of modern-day Israel). He then took control of these lands. The Land Lost to Judah: Crucially, the verse states that Israel (the people of Israel) is not mentioned in the record of the kings of Israel. This means that after Jeroboam gained this land, it was lost back to the territory of Judah. Putting it together – What’s happening? The verse is essentially saying: “Jeroboam’s actions and his power were so significant that they caused a situation where the people of Israel lost control over their own lands.” It's highlighting how Jeroboam’s ambition led to a shift in who held the land. Important Context (Why this matters): This passage is important because it shows that even powerful rulers can cause problems for the Israelites. It points to a pattern of kings making choices that ultimately result in a loss of control and a weakened kingdom. In short, the verse describes a period where Jeroboam gained land but then lost it back to the area of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Talk about the historical context surrounding this event?