Definition: And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage from the Book of 2 Kings, and it speaks about a significant moment in Elijah’s life. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Elisha is Helping Elijah: Elisha was a man who was helping Elijah, who was facing a difficult situation – he was being hunted down by the King of Israel because he was defying God. Bethel’s People Come to Him: A group of people from the town of Bethel (which is near Jerusalem) were gathering around Elisha. They were worried and fearful. They Warn Him About a Threat: They told him, “Know that the LORD will take away your master from your head to day!” – meaning they believed Elijah was in danger. Elisha’s Response: Elisha calmly responded, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.” What Does It Mean? (Simplified) This verse is a snapshot of Elisha's wisdom and faith. Here's the core idea: God’s Protection: The verse highlights that God actively protects those who are in His care, even when they’re facing danger or opposition. It’s not just about being safe; it’s about God protecting believers from harm. Elisha’s Peace: Elisha's response – “Hold ye your peace” – is incredibly important. It signifies a deep and unwavering trust in God, even when facing a frightening situation. He wasn't letting fear control him. The Bigger Picture (It’s about more than just Elijah) This verse also speaks to the idea that God is involved in our lives and works through us, even when we don’t see it. It shows that God doesn’t always tell us what to do; sometimes, He simply guides us. It's a reminder of His sovereignty and protection. In essence, this verse is a call to trust in God, to remain calm and steadfast in the face of adversity, and to recognize that God is actively working for good. --- Would you like me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide context about the situation Elijah was facing? Connect this passage to other stories or themes within the Bible?