Definition: Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 18:23. It’s a really interesting and dramatic statement about a powerful figure! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “If you can manage to get two thousand horses ready for me, I’ll let you go completely free.” Let’s unpack it a little bit: “Now therefore…” : This is like saying, "Okay, listen carefully." “…I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria…” : This means King Assyria (a powerful kingdom in ancient times) is asking for your help. He’s essentially offering a big favor. “…and I will deliver thee two thousand horses…” : This is the main part – he wants you to provide him with a massive number of horses. "...if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them." : This is the tricky part. It means he wants you to personally oversee and ride these horses. He’s asking you to take charge and guide them. The Context - Why is this happening? This verse comes from a time when King David was in exile. God was sending him to Babylon to plead for his return home. It's a dramatic plea – he's asking for help from a powerful, potentially dangerous enemy to deliver him. What’s the Big Idea? It speaks to a sense of divine protection and a desperate plea. The King is essentially offering a massive reward (two thousand horses) if you can do what he asks – provide him with a huge number of horses for him to ride. It's a high-stakes situation involving divine intervention. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future destruction of the kingdom of Israel, which was under Assyrian rule. However, it’s more symbolic than literal – it's a message of hope and protection from God. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this verse in the Old Testament? What the meaning behind "pledges" might mean?