Definition: And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 13:4. It's a bit complex, but here’s the core meaning in simple terms: Basically, it means: Eliashib, a priest who was responsible for overseeing the sacred space within the house of God (a temple), was joined or allied with Tobiah. Let's unpack that further: “Before this” : This tells us we’re looking back in time – it’s about a previous event. “Eliashib…” : This is the name of the person involved. He was a priest. “…having the oversight…” : This means he was in charge and responsible for managing the temple's space. “[was] allied unto Tobiah” : This is the key part. “Allied unto” suggests a close relationship, perhaps even a partnership or cooperation. It implies they were working together. What does this tell us about their relationship? It’s important to understand that this wasn't just a casual arrangement. This was a formal alliance – a strong and recognized connection between two people with authority. It suggests they were collaborating on something important, possibly related to the temple or its upkeep. Context is Key: This verse is significant because it highlights: Trust and Responsibility: It shows that Eliashib was trusted by Tobiah and that he was accountable for his duties. Collaboration: It suggests a cooperative effort in maintaining the temple's sacred space. In short, this verse describes a formal agreement between two people – likely a priest and a local official – to oversee and manage a crucial part of the temple. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important? Provide more context about the time period or the situation in which it occurred?