Definition: In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty significant passage about a powerful king and his impact on Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A King from Another Land: The verse tells us that a king named Tiglathpileser (pronounced "Tigh-la-th-pas-er") came from Assyria – a powerful kingdom far to the east. Taking Territories: He didn’t just visit; he took control of several key cities and towns in Israel. These were: Ijon Abelbethmaachah (a small town) Janoah Kedesh (a city near Tel Aviv) Gilead (a region in the north) Galilee (a large area in the south) – this is a big one! Captivity: The most important part is that all of Israel was taken captive to Assyria. This means they were forced to leave their homes and lives, and became subjects of the Assyrian king. What’s the Significance? A Warning: This verse is often seen as a warning about the potential dangers of allowing a powerful foreign king to exert influence over Israel. It suggests that even seemingly peaceful relationships could have negative consequences. The Rise of Assyria: The story shows that Assyria was becoming a significant force in the region, and it’s suggesting that this power might eventually lead to conflict with Israel. Divine Judgment (Potentially): Some interpretations suggest this event is part of a larger pattern of divine judgment or punishment for Israel’s sins. It's not about a single act of aggression, but rather the consequence of their disobedience. In Short: Tiglathpileser conquered several important cities and towns in Israel, effectively putting them under Assyrian rule. This event is a significant story that highlights potential risks associated with foreign power. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the reasons why this happened? The context of the time in which it was written? How this relates to other biblical stories?