Definition: And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It's a pretty dramatic passage from the Book of Kings, and it describes a significant event involving Elijah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that Elijah was using a special cloak (mantle) to force the water to move and split apart. It’s like he was deliberately trying to create a divide between the water and the dry land. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Elijah took his mantle…” - This refers to a special robe or garment that Elijah wore, likely one with symbolic significance. “…and wrapped [it] together…” – He was wrapping this mantle around himself, creating a sort of shield or barrier. "...and smote the waters…” – This is the key part. "Smote" means to strike forcefully or drive away. So, he was actively trying to push the water away. “And they were divided hither and thither...” - This describes the result of his action. The water started to move and spread out – it split in two directions. "Hither" means towards the south or west. "...so that they two went over on dry ground." – This is the final, startling part. The water broke apart and flowed onto a dry patch of land. It signifies a victory for God's power! What’s the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of Elijah’s power and a victory over the forces of evil. It suggests that God was actively intervening to overcome obstacles and bring about change. It can also be seen as a symbol of the restoration of order after chaos. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this verse has been debated throughout history, and it’s a complex passage within the Bible. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader context? Give you some historical background on the time period when this verse was written?