What is the definition of 2 Kings 16:10?

And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that [was] at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 16:10. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible that describes a significant event involving King Ahaz and Assyria. Here’s a simplified explanation:
The Basic Situation:
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King Ahaz is in trouble:
The verse tells us King Ahaz of Judah was in a very difficult situation. He had been exiled by his son, Jehu, and was facing a serious threat from the powerful Assyrian king, Tiglathpileser. 💎
He meets Tiglathpileser:
Tiglathpileser, a ruler of Assyria, sent a delegation to visit him. This is a very important meeting – it’s a crucial moment for Judah. 💎
He sees an altar in Damascus:
The 💎really💎 strange part is that King Ahaz saw an altar built in the city of Damascus. This wasn't just any altar; it was a large, ornate altar made of stone and metal. 💎
Request for a replica:
King Ahaz sent a priest named Urijah to request a copy of this altar. He wanted a 💎perfect💎 replica – something that matched the exact design and craftsmanship of the original.
What's Happening (The Significance):
This is where it gets a bit complicated, but here’s the core idea: 💎
Assyrian Power:
Assyria was a powerful empire at the time, known for its military might and influence in the region. Tiglathpileser was a formidable ruler. 💎
The Alter as a Symbol:
The altar in Damascus wasn't just a random structure. It served as a 💎symbol💎 of Assyrian power and dominance. It represented their authority and presence in the area.
What it Means (Interpretation - This is where it gets deeper):
This verse suggests that Tiglathpileser was actively trying to exert influence over Judah, and perhaps even try to conquer them. The altar was a deliberate attempt to show off Assyrian power and establish a presence in the land.
Important Note:
The text doesn’t explicitly say 💎why💎 King Ahaz sent this request. However, it's generally interpreted as a sign of weakness and a desperate plea for help from God. It highlights a moment where Judah was vulnerable to Assyrian aggression.
In short, this verse describes a deliberate attempt by Assyria to demonstrate their power through a symbolic altar in Damascus, prompting a desperate request for assistance from the prophet Urijah.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain any of these points further? 💎 Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? 💎 Provide more context about the time period when this verse was written?