Definition: And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 16:9. It’s a really important story about a powerful king and his actions! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: King Assyria is invading: The verse tells us that King of Assyria, a powerful kingdom known for its military strength, was sending troops to attack Damascus. Assyrian Attack: He actually did attack Damascus! This is a significant event because Damascus was a city important in the region. Assyrians Take Control: The Assyrian army conquered Damascus completely. They took control of the whole city and its people. Taking People Captive: They brought the entire population of Damascus into their army – it wasn't just a small group; they captured everyone. Moving to Kir: Then, the Assyrians carried this captured people to a place called Kir. Kir is a city in northern Syria (a region in modern-day Turkey). Assyrian Victory: Finally, King Assyria defeated Rezin, a ruler of Damascus, and killed him. In short, it’s a victory for the Assyrians – they conquered a city and took its people captive. Why is this important? This story is significant because it shows: The Power of Assyria: It highlights the immense military strength and influence of the Assyrian Empire at the time. Military Conquests: It’s a classic example of an empire conquering another territory. Political Intrigue: The story also hints at political maneuvering and potential conflict within the region. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Explain what "Kir" is – where it was located? Discuss the context of the story – why was Damascus important?