Definition: And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 23:10. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about preparing for a big battle! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse describes a situation where everyone is positioned to defend the Temple – the most important place of worship in Israel – with all their strength and preparedness. Let’s break it down word by word: “And he set…” : This suggests a deliberate plan or arrangement being made. “…all the people…” : This refers to everyone within the community, meaning all Israelites, Jews, and perhaps even some non-Jewish people living nearby. “…every man having his weapon in his hand…” : This is a powerful metaphor. "Weapon" represents strength, power, or ability. It’s not about literal weapons – it means everyone is ready to defend what they believe in. “From the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple…” : This directs people towards the most important parts of the Temple. The “right” and “left” are symbolic, but generally speaking, the most crucial areas – like the altar and the walls – were considered vital for protection. “Along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.” : This is where it gets really significant. The word "king" here refers to King David, who was a very important leader in Israel’s history. The arrangement suggests people are positioned around the Temple walls, protecting it from attack. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a carefully prepared and fortified community. It's saying that God has planned for a time when they need to protect his sacred place. It’s about being ready to defend His presence and His people. Why is this important? This passage speaks to the importance of vigilance, readiness, and protecting what matters most. It’s a reminder that even in times of trouble, we should be prepared to stand firm and defend our beliefs and values. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot; I can provide information based on my training data but am not a biblical scholar. Do you have any specific questions about this verse or want me to explain it in a different way? For example, would you like: A more detailed explanation of the symbolism? A comparison to other stories in the Bible?