Definition: And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:24. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan to punish a powerful nation – Assyria – and its impact on Israel. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The king of Assyria brought…” : This tells us we're talking about a ruler named Assyria – a powerful empire located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). They were known for their military strength and vast territory. “…from Babylon…” : Babylon was a major city in ancient times, and it was a significant center of power for the Assyrian kingdom. This means the Assyrians were sending people from Babylon. “…and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Sepharvaim…” : These are different cities located further north in Mesopotamia – they’re all named after ancient languages (Cuthah, Ava, and Sepharvaim). They represent places of importance within the Assyrian empire. "...placed [them] in the cities of Samaria..." : This is the key part! The Assyrians weren't just sending people to Babylon; they were actively relocating them into Samaria. Samaria was a major city, and the Assyrians wanted to make it their new base of operations. "...instead of the children of Israel." : This is crucial. The Assyrian army was focused on conquering and controlling Israel. They weren’t interested in fighting with the Israelites; they were building a military presence in their territory. What happened next? “And they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.” This means that the Assyrians took control of Samaria and made it their capital city. They settled there, built settlements, and essentially established a powerful stronghold within the region. They lived in Samaria for a long time. The Significance: This verse is a warning about God’s judgment on nations who are aggressive and seek to dominate others. It's a message of judgment and consequence . Assyria was a formidable force, and God decided that their expansion would lead to disaster, not just for them but for the people they were supposed to be serving. In short: The Assyrians started establishing a military presence in Samaria, and they held onto it for many years, ultimately making it their new home and controlling the city. It was a strategic move that signaled a shift in power and a potential threat to Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes?