Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I [am] bringing [such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 21:12. It’s a really sobering passage about God’s judgment and the devastation he’s planning for two specific kingdoms – Jerusalem and Judah. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: God is going to punish these two kingdoms – Jerusalem and Judah – with terrible consequences if they don’t obey him. He’s deliberately setting up a plan of destruction, and he intends to make things incredibly painful for them. Let’s unpack the parts: “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel…” This is just a formal way of saying, “This is what God says.” It's a powerful statement from the perspective of the divine being. “…Behold, I [am] bringing [such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah…” "Behold" means "look." He’s announcing that he (God) is actively causing something terrible to happen. “Evil” here doesn't necessarily mean a malicious act, but rather a significant and devastating consequence. “Jerusalem and Judah” are the two kingdoms mentioned – they are the ones he's targeting with this punishment. “…that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.” This is the most dramatic part. It means that those who listen to this message will experience a physical sensation: their ears will tingle! It’s a vivid image designed to emphasize how deeply disturbing and painful this judgment is. What does it mean practically? This verse paints a picture of intense suffering, hardship, and ultimately, death for the people of these kingdoms. It suggests that God's anger and justice are being unleashed in a very forceful way. It’s not just about a little inconvenience; this is a complete and utter destruction intended to punish those who defy him. Important Context: The Book of 2 Kings: This passage comes from the second half of the book of 2 Kings, which tells the story of the reign of the wicked King Ahab and his son Jezebel. This verse is a key moment in the book as it foreshadows a period of great suffering for Israel. The Wickedness of the Kings: The verse highlights how the kings of this era were selfish and prone to making terrible decisions, which angered God. In short, 2 Kings 21:12 is a warning from God about the consequences of disobedience and a promise of devastating punishment for those who reject him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide some historical context? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (e.g., God’s judgment on sin)?