Definition: And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 11:11. It’s a pretty dramatic description of a king's strategy – and it speaks to a powerful and potentially dangerous ambition. Here’s the breakdown in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “He fortified the strong places, appointed leaders, stocked up with food and wine, and made them secure.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Fortified the strong holds” : This suggests building defenses around important locations – perhaps a city or region. “Strong holds” could refer to a strategic position, a place of power, or even a place that's vital for the king’s rule. “Put captains in them” : This implies having a team of people (leaders, soldiers, etc.) stationed within these fortified areas. They were responsible for protecting and managing the location. “Store of victual, and of oil and wine” : This is the key part – it's talking about abundance . “Victual” means food and supplies, “oil” is a precious substance (often associated with religious ritual), and “wine” was used for celebration and to show off wealth. The king was essentially building up a substantial supply of these things to maintain his power and influence. What does this tell us about the context? This verse comes from a story in 2 Chronicles, which describes King David's rise to power and his subsequent ambitions. It’s often interpreted as a warning – a sign that the king was becoming increasingly self-centered and perhaps even trying to control everything around him. It highlights a potential path towards tyranny and the dangers of excessive ambition. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated by scholars for centuries. There are different interpretations, but it generally points to a king prioritizing his own power and wealth above all else. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about what this verse might symbolize in a broader sense (like ambition, leadership, or temptation)?