Definition: Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and moving passage from the Book of 2 Kings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s compassion and healing for Hezekiah. Let’s look at each part: “2 Kings 20:5” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament – the story of Hezekiah, the King of Judah, being severely ill. “Turn again…” : Hezekiah was suffering greatly. The verse tells us he needs to change his course . “…and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people…” : This is a specific person – Hezekiah’s captain (likely a trusted advisor) who is being addressed directly. It's a message from God himself. “Thus saith the LORD…” : This means “The Lord says this.” It’s a direct, powerful statement from God. “…the God of David thy father” : This clarifies that the Lord is speaking about Hezekiah's father, David. “I have heard thy prayer…” : God recognized Hezekiah's suffering and knew he was praying for help. “I have seen thy tears…” : This highlights the depth of His compassion – God saw Hezekiah’s pain and sorrow. “Behold, I will heal thee…” : This is the core message: God is going to offer a miracle! “…on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.” : This is a specific time – three days after Hezekiah’s illness. It's a promise that God will intervene and provide healing. Putting it all together: God heard Hezekiah’s prayers, saw his tears, and recognized his suffering. He then promised to heal him. The verse says Hezekiah needs to go to the Tabernacle (the house of God) on the third day to receive a miraculous healing. It's a message of hope and reassurance that God is actively involved in helping people who are struggling. What does this mean for us today? This passage reminds us that God loves us deeply, even when we’re hurting. It’s a reminder that He’s always there to listen to our prayers and offer comfort and healing. It also shows the importance of trusting in God's plan and faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an analogy? Discuss what this passage might symbolize (e.g., a time of crisis)?