Definition: In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:1 together. It's a really important and sobering message. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Hezekiah was sick and dying: This describes a serious illness for King Hezekiah, the second king of Judah. It was a deep and agonizing situation. Isaiah came to him: Isaiah is a prophet – someone who speaks for God – and he’s here to deliver a message of warning. “Thus saith the LORD…”: This is a very important phrase in biblical prophecy. It means God is directly communicating with Hezekiah. What Hezekiah Needs to Know: The verse basically says: “You need to organize your life! You are going to die.” Let’s unpack it further: “Sick unto death”: This isn't just a physical illness; it’s a spiritual sickness of the soul. Hezekiah was suffering from a deep, overwhelming sadness and despair. “Prophet Isaiah…”: Isaiah is a very wise and important prophet. He’s known for speaking truth to powerful leaders. “Said unto him…” (The message): This is the core of the verse. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that he needs to take action – he needs to get his life in order. What does this mean practically? It’s a serious warning about the consequences of neglecting God’s will and living a selfish, disorganized life. The verse suggests that ignoring God's guidance and focusing on worldly things will ultimately lead to a painful and destructive end. Important Context (Briefly): This was happening during a time of great political turmoil in Judah. Hezekiah was struggling with his sons and the weight of leadership, and this prophecy served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of his actions. In short, this verse is a powerful warning about the importance of obedience to God’s will and living a life that honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the significance of Isaiah's message in more detail? Talk about what this verse might be teaching us about our own lives?

Definition: And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:10. It's a really interesting and symbolic piece of scripture! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying that things will not stay static. It’s about a shift or change that’s inevitable. Let’s unpack the parts: “And Hezekiah answered…” : This refers to King Hezekiah, who was facing a difficult situation at the time. “…It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees…” : This describes a gradual shift or change – a small decrease in something. Think of it like a tiny bit of darkness moving backward. “Nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.” : This is the crucial part. It’s not a complete reversal. The shadow isn't going to go back to its original position. Instead, it will shift further in the opposite direction – it will move backwards again. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests that things are not always perfect or stable. There’s a tendency for things to change, even if they don't go back exactly to where they started. It implies a process of ongoing movement and adjustment. Symbolically, it could represent: A difficult situation evolving: Things might seem okay now but will likely get worse or shift in some way. A cycle of events: There’s a pattern – there's a change, and that change will continue to unfold in a different direction. In short, it’s a warning about the fact that things won’t be static; they will always move in a certain direction. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss its significance within the context of the Bible? Or perhaps, would you like me to find another verse that explores similar themes?

Definition: And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really interesting and somewhat cryptic verse from the Book of Kings, and it’s been interpreted in several ways over time. Here’s an explanation that aims to be clear and understandable: What it says: “2 Kings 20:11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD” : This tells us that Isaiah was deeply worried or troubled. He was speaking to God. “and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward” : This is the core of the verse. A "shadow" in this context refers to a visible sign – something that indicates a problem or an impending event. Isaiah’s prophet was saying, “The sign of the future is changing.” “by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz” : This is where it gets a bit more complicated and mysterious. "Dial of Ahaz" is a reference to a specific time period in ancient history – roughly around 750 BC. It's important to understand this refers to a measurement or indicator . So, what does it mean ? The most common interpretation among scholars and theologians is that this verse describes a warning about a coming disaster. It’s like a prophecy about an impending catastrophe – perhaps a great flood, war, famine, or something similar. Here's the breakdown of the possible interpretations: A Sign of Judgment: The “shadow” could represent a sign that was already in place, but it was growing larger and more significant. It’s as if something bad was starting to unfold. The Time is Near: Isaiah wasn’t just warning about what would happen; he was also signaling that when it happens, it's going to be a time of great upheaval and judgment. Important Note: This is an interpretation based on the best available evidence from ancient texts. It’s not a straightforward literal translation or explanation. It's more about symbolism and conveying a message of impending doom. Why is this verse significant? Prophetic Warnings: Throughout biblical history, prophets have often been given warnings about future events – sometimes with seemingly vague or symbolic language. Understanding the Bible’s Purpose: This passage highlights that the Bible isn't just about describing events; it also has a purpose – to offer guidance and warning to those who are listening. Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/vescript/1329](https://www.biblegateway.com/vescript/1329) (Provides a good overview of the verse and its context) Wikipedia - 2 Kings 20:11: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Kings_20%3A11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Kings_20%3A11) (Offers a detailed explanation of the verse’s history and interpretations) --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss a specific interpretation of this verse in more detail? Explore the historical context surrounding this verse?

Definition: At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:12. It’s a pretty serious message about a dangerous situation! Here's the simple explanation: Basically, Babylon was sending a gift to Hezekiah because he was ill. Let’s unpack that a little further: “At that time”: This tells us this happened at a specific point in the past . “Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon…” – This is a name for a powerful ruler from Babylon. Think of him as a really big, influential leader. “…sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah:” - This means he sent messages to Hezekiah, and he gave him something – likely a gift or reward. “for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.” – This is the key part. Berodachbaladan learned that Hezekiah was unwell. So, what's the big deal? This verse paints a picture of a dangerous situation. Babylon, a powerful and often aggressive nation, was sending a message to Hezekiah, who was likely in distress. It suggests a possible threat or challenge from the kingdom of Babylon. Why is this important? It’s a warning – it indicates that Babylon wasn't just interested in conquering; they were also concerned about a situation within Judah (the region of Israel). It foreshadows conflict and potential hardship for Hezekiah. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of 2 Kings 20?

Definition: And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and [all] the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:13. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage about a king's wealth. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when King Hezekiah of Judah was incredibly wealthy – unbelievably rich. Hezekiah showed his possessions to the prophets, and they revealed everything he had. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And Hezekiah hearkened unto them…” : This means Hezekiah listened carefully to what the prophets were saying. “…and shewed them all the house of his precious things…” : "House of his precious things" is a fancy way of saying his wealth . It refers to everything he had that was valuable – gold, silver, jewels, spices (like cinnamon and cloves), and even his armor. “The silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment…” : This lists specific items he possessed. Think of it like a very detailed list of valuable goods. “[All] the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures:” This is where it gets interesting. It’s not just about things ; it's about everything he owned – his armor (which was important for protection), and any other items he had stored away. “There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.” : This is the most crucial part. It means that nothing of his wealth was hidden or concealed from the prophets. They saw it all! What does this mean in a bigger picture? This verse highlights a few important things: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God has complete control over everything, even the most powerful rulers. He doesn't just tolerate wealth; he watches and observes it. Trusting God: It encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when things look good or seem abundant. We shouldn’t be overly concerned with how much we have – our focus should be on obeying God's commands and living a righteous life. In essence, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees all things and will not tolerate greed or hidden wealth. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story in the Bible?

Definition: Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, [even] from Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This passage tells us that Babylon was sending messengers to King Hezekiah. It’s a message of impending doom and a warning about a terrible future. Let’s unpack it further: “Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah…” – This means Isaiah, a prophet known for speaking truth, went to King Hezekiah. “…and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee?” – Hezekiah was asking Isaiah why these people were coming to him. They were essentially delivering a message of something that was happening. “And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country…” – This is the core of the message. Hezekiah recognized that these messengers weren't coming from his land or his kingdom. They were coming from a place very distant - Babylon. What does this mean? Babylon was a powerful and often oppressive nation: Throughout much of biblical history, Babylon was a major city-state in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) that wielded immense power, wealth, and influence. It was known for its cruelty and its control over many people. The message is a warning about Babylonian influence: Isaiah’s words are a clear signal that Babylon was becoming increasingly influential and potentially hostile to Judah (the kingdom of Israel). It suggests a growing threat and a loss of independence. It implies a disruption of the balance of power: The fact that Babylon was sending messengers suggests a shift in the geopolitical landscape, possibly with the intention of destabilizing or challenging Hezekiah’s authority. In short, this verse is a dramatic prediction of a significant threat – a powerful empire from a faraway land that could eventually cause problems for Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide context about the time period when this verse was written? Discuss the significance of the prophecy itself?

Definition: And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All [the things] that [are] in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:15. It’s a really powerful and significant passage about God's watchful eye. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God saw everything that was happening in Hezekiah’s house – everything he owned, his possessions, his treasures, etc. – and he found nothing that wasn’t already shown to him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said, What have they seen in thine house?” - This is a question from God, implying a sense of curiosity or investigation. He’s looking at Hezekiah’s home and asking what he’s been doing. “And Hezekiah answered, All [the things] that [are] in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.” - This is the crucial part. Hezekiah responds with a statement of absolute truth. He’s saying: “I’ve told you everything that’s inside my home! There's absolutely nothing I haven’t shown you.” What does this mean in a broader sense? God’s Sovereignty: This verse emphasizes God’s all-knowing and all-watchful nature. He doesn’t just notice things; he sees them. It highlights that God is always aware of our lives, our actions, and our possessions. Trust & Honesty: It's a message of trust. If you are honest with your God, and share everything with him, He will know all your secrets. Fear and Accountability: This verse can also be interpreted as a warning to be careful what we reveal. It suggests that if we’re dishonest or secretive, God will know. In short, this is a powerful declaration of God's complete awareness and judgment. It speaks to the idea that God sees everything we do, and he doesn’t tolerate deception. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger narrative about Hezekiah’s downfall – he had been involved in idolatry (worshiping false gods), which ultimately led to his demise under God's judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?

Definition: And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 2 Kings 20:16: “And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.” Here's a simple explanation in layman's terms: Basically, it means: Isaiah was speaking to King Hezekiah. Isaiah was a prophet who was communicating with the king. He was telling him something important. The verse is essentially a direct message from God – a warning or instruction. The core of the message is: “Hear the word of the LORD.” This is a call to listen closely and understand what God has to say. What does it suggest? It’s a powerful reminder that God speaks through his messengers (like Isaiah). Hezekiah was likely facing a difficult situation, and this verse suggests that God is offering him guidance, reassurance, or perhaps even a challenge – all through his word. Context is Key: This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible, often related to the impending downfall of Judah. It's a moment of urgency from God as he prepares for potential disaster. Do you want me to elaborate on anything specific? For example, would you like to know: What kind of message might Isaiah be delivering? Why is this verse significant in the larger story of the Bible?

Definition: Behold, the days come, that all that [is] in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:17. It's a pretty dramatic and important message about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to take everything that people have collected – their possessions, treasures, and anything they’ve worked hard to save – and move it all to Babylon. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Behold, the days come…” - This is a warning. It means that something is going to happen in the future. It’s not just a vague prediction; it's a definite event. "...that all [is] in thine house…” – This refers to your home and everything inside it – your possessions, your family, your belongings. It speaks about everything you own. "...and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day…” - This is the most crucial part. It means everything they've accumulated over their lives – their wealth, their traditions, their memories, and all of their hard work – is being brought to Babylon. It’s a reminder of their legacy. "...shall be carried into Babylon:" - This is the action God will take. He will move everything into Babylon. "Nothing shall be left, saith the LORD." - This is the most powerful part. The Lord says that nothing will remain behind. It's a complete and utter removal of everything. What’s happening? The verse describes a significant event: God intends to punish those who have been hoarding wealth and accumulating possessions. He wants to take it all away, leaving nothing behind. It suggests a reckoning or judgment is coming. Context & Significance: Historical Background: This passage comes from the Book of 2 Kings, which describes events leading up to the Babylonian exile in ancient times (around 613 BC). The Exile: The primary reason for this event is that the people of Judah were living in a state of spiritual and material ruin. They had become obsessed with wealth and power, and God saw it as a way to lead them astray. He chose Babylon as the place where they would be exiled – leaving many behind. A Warning: It’s a warning against greed and materialism. The verse encourages us to focus on what truly matters in life: relationships, faith, and serving God. In short, this verse is a message of judgment and a reminder that God will ultimately take away everything we accumulate. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the context of the Old Testament story? Offer some reflection on how this verse might apply to our lives today?

Definition: And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:18. It’s a pretty serious and important passage about Joseph’s future role. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about Joseph, the man who raised Jesus, and his sons inheriting a specific responsibility – to be unmarried and eunuchs (meaning they won't have any male children) within the palace of King Babylon. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget…” This is a direct statement about Joseph’s future offspring. It means that Joseph will have sons who will come into the world through him. "...shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” This is the crucial part. "They shall take away" suggests this isn't a simple matter of being unmarried – it’s about a change in their role and purpose. “Eunuchs” means they will be excluded from having children, typically for religious or political reasons. The king of Babylon (a powerful ruler) is essentially saying that Joseph's sons will be kept out of the royal court and possibly even placed in a subordinate position within his palace. What’s happening? The verse is a prophecy about Joseph’s destiny and it speaks to a strategic move by King David. David, after losing power, planned to use Joseph as a pawn to secure an alliance with Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. By having Joseph in the palace, he hoped to gain favor with this powerful king. Important Context: Joseph’s Role: Joseph was incredibly skilled and trusted by David. He played a vital role in securing David's victory over Goliath. Prophecy: This verse is a prophecy of Joseph's life – it wasn’t just about him being a good man, but also about his future responsibility to act as a buffer for David. In short, this verse describes a carefully planned situation where Joseph’s sons would be relegated to a position outside the royal family due to a strategic alliance with a foreign king. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI and don't provide religious or theological interpretations. This explanation is based on biblical interpretation and historical context. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer for you? Would you like me to: Explain a particular aspect of the verse in more detail? Provide some background on Joseph’s story?