Definition: Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:23 together. It’s a pretty dramatic and important passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very difficult situation for Israel – they were exiled. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “2 Kings 17:23 Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight…” This is the key part. It means that God decided to remove Israel from their land, specifically from his presence and guidance. Think of it like a decision made by a parent who wants to move a child to another home. “…as he had said by all his servants…” This tells us this wasn’t a sudden, impulsive decision. God told the prophets (people who announced important things) that He would remove them. It was a plan He established long ago. “So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.” This is where it gets really significant. This means that because God made this decision, Israel was forced to leave their home country – specifically, they were exiled to a place called Assyria. It's like when you move to a new city; sometimes, you have to leave your old one. And it’s still going on today! In simpler terms: God decided that Israel needed to be removed from their land for a period of time, and he told the prophets to make that happen. They were exiled to Assyria, which is now a long-term consequence of that decision. What's the big takeaway? This verse highlights several important themes: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control and making decisions, even when it’s difficult for people. Divine Punishment/Judgment: It speaks to a time of judgment and separation from God’s guidance. Disruption & Exile: It signifies a period of hardship and separation that impacts the lives of those under his care. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of future events in the Bible, including the rise of Assyria as a powerful empire. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the historical context (what was happening at the time)?