Definition: And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic passage from the Old Testament Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: God is angry: The verse starts with God saying, “And it came to pass…” This shows that God is upset about something happening. A time of trouble: It’s talking about a very difficult and dangerous time – the fourth year of King Hezekiah (a powerful king in Judah) and the seventh year of Hoshea (another king in Israel). It's like a really bad situation is developing. Assyria arrives: Then, Assyria, a powerful empire located far away, comes into conflict with Samaria – a city in Israel. They besiege it: Assyrian soldiers are attacking and besieging (meaning they’re trying to trap) the city of Samaria. This means they're putting a lot of force on it. Putting it all together - What’s happening? Basically, Assyria is invading Israel and trying to take over the city of Samaria. It’s a significant threat because Samaria was a very important city for the Israelites. Important Note: The verse doesn't tell us why God is so angry. It just says that He is displeased due to this event happening. Why is this a big deal? This story is often seen as a warning about the dangers of war and the potential for divine judgment. It highlights that God can be very powerful and actively involved in events, and sometimes His anger can have serious consequences. It’s a reminder that God isn't just watching things happen; He’s intervening and possibly punishing them. Do you want me to: Explain anything in more detail? Tell you about the significance of this story in a specific context (like its relationship to other events)?