Definition: Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 23:14. It's a really important and complex passage about obedience and justice. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: King Hezekiah is in trouble: King Hezekiah of Judah was facing serious problems with his people, particularly with the Levites (the priests and priestesses). Hezekiah's Actions: Hezekiah had been making a mistake – he was killing the Levites. He was essentially ordering them to be sacrificed, which was deeply upsetting to the Jewish community. A Plea for Obedience: The verse is a direct response to Hezekiah’s actions. It's asking him to stop this practice. What Hezekiah Said & Why It Matters: Hezekiah issued a command: “Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword.” Let's unpack that: “Have her forth of the ranges” : This means "Bring them out from their positions." Hezekiah was telling the Levites to leave their designated areas. "Whoso followeth her" : This is crucial. It’s not just anyone following him. It's everyone who has been instructed to obey his command to sacrifice the Levites. “Let him be slain with the sword” : This is the terrifying part. Hezekiah was saying that if anyone continued to follow his orders, they should be killed. The Significance – It’s About Obedience & Justice: This verse is a powerful example of obedience to God's law . It highlights: God's Law and Order: The Bible teaches that obeying God’s laws, even when it’s difficult or unpopular, is essential for maintaining justice and righteousness. The Importance of Leadership: It demonstrates the responsibility of leaders – including kings – to uphold divine law and protect their people. Justice Prevails: The verse emphasizes that God will ultimately judge those who disobey Him. It’s a call for faithfulness and righteous action. In short, Hezekiah was asking the Levites to stop following his commands that led to the sacrifice of their people. It was a moment where obedience to God's law was put at risk. Important Note: The text is quite dense and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. This explanation aims to provide a basic understanding of its meaning within the context of biblical scripture. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the historical context (like why this happened)? Discuss what it means for us today in terms of ethical responsibility?