Definition: And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage from the Book of 2 Kings. Here's what it essentially means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a horrific act of destruction – the burning of a sacred grove (a place of worship) near the Kidron brook in Jerusalem. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem…” - This is key. It means that King Josiah, who was just ruling over Judah, removed a place of worship – a grove – from the heart of Jerusalem. This grove was a significant location for prayer and devotion to God. It's like removing a sacred altar. “…unto the brook Kidron…” - The grove is being moved to the Kidron brook, which is a stream located near the old city of Jerusalem. “and burned it at the brook Kidron…” – This is where the violence happens. Josiah's people deliberately set fire to this grove. “…and stamped [it] small to powder…” - This is a powerful image. He used a special kind of charcoal (powder) and completely destroyed the entire grove, leaving nothing but ashes. It’s like grinding everything into dust. “and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.” – This is the most chilling part. Josiah's action wasn't just about destroying a place of worship; it was about destroying the memories and lives of the people . He deliberately scattered the ashes over the graves of the Israelites, symbolizing their loss and the end of their prosperity. It’s a brutal reminder that the destruction was intended to be a complete and utter wipe-out. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is considered one of the most shocking in the Bible. It's often interpreted as a sign of Josiah's downfall, perhaps due to his political ambitions or a turning away from God. It highlights: Political Ruthlessness: The act demonstrates a willingness to use violence and destruction for political gain. Loss of Faith: It signifies a profound spiritual crisis – the people had lost their way and were being systematically punished. A Turning Point in History: This event marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, leading to further conflict and ultimately, the Babylonian exile. Important Note: The Bible is complex, and there’s much debate about exactly what this verse means. It’s often seen as a stark warning against political power and a reminder of the consequences of neglecting God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this passage to other biblical stories or themes?