Definition: And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 24:16. It’s a really dramatic and significant passage about God's plan for the wicked. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive, overwhelming force – seven thousand soldiers and craftsmen – being brought captive (taken) to Babylon. It's not just a small group; it’s a huge number of people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And all the men of might…” : This refers to powerful, skilled individuals – kings, warriors, and leaders. “Might” here means strength, skill, and ability. “[even] seven thousand…” : This is the key number. God is saying that seven thousand people are being brought. That’s a massive number! “…and craftsmen and smiths a thousand…” : This adds to the scale – it's not just soldiers, but also skilled artisans (blacksmiths, jewelers, etc.) who could build weapons and fortifications. It’s a huge workforce. "...even them the king of Babylon brought captive..." : This is where it gets really powerful. The King of Babylon – a very powerful ruler – is being brought captive to Babylon. This implies that he's essentially being held hostage by God for punishment. What does this mean, and why is it significant? Divine Punishment: The verse speaks about God’s judgment on the wicked. It’s a consequence of their choices and actions. God’s Sovereignty: It highlights God's ultimate control over events and his ability to bring about devastating consequences for those who are defiant. A Warning: It's a warning to all people – including us – to turn away from evil and seek righteousness. It's a reminder that even the most powerful can be brought low by God’s wrath. In short, this verse describes a colossal military force being taken captive to Babylon as a punishment for a specific act of wickedness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Kings 24? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore what it might symbolize in a broader biblical sense (like judgment, repentance, or God's plan)?