Definition: And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 7:17 together. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about leadership and obedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a king appointing a specific man to be the gatekeeper of a city or place. The king then instructs the people to follow this man, and when the king comes to see him, he dies – likely in a way that symbolizes death for the king’s position and authority. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate…” This means the king was giving this man a special responsibility – to watch over the entrance or way into a place. “…and the people trode upon him in the gate…” This is key. The people walked or traveled through the gate. It's a direct reference to a pathway or boundary. “and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.” This is where it gets really significant. The king was instructing this man to speak (to warn, advise, or provide guidance) when the king came down to see him . This man was essentially acting as a messenger or advisor, and his actions – his words - were considered important because they were given by God. What’s the significance? This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of: The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that obedience to authority, especially from those entrusted with leadership, is crucial for maintaining order and stability. God's Guidance: It suggests that God is actively involved in guiding and protecting His people through the leaders they choose. Accountability: The king’s death signifies that this man’s role and responsibilities were complete, and he was now accountable to God. In short, it’s a story about a king’s trust placed in a specific person, and the consequences of that trust – both for the king and for those who follow his lead. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (what was happening in the kingdom at the time)? Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible?