Definition: And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 23:21. It’s a really important and somewhat heartbreaking part of the story of King David’s life. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: Athaliah was King’s Advisor: Before the events of this verse, King David had been tricked by his own advisor, Athaliah. She cleverly plotted to kill him! She wasn't a traditional king; she was a queen disguised as a man. The Assassination Attempt: Athaliah tried to assassinate David in secret. What Happened Next? A Huge Rejoicing: Suddenly, the people of Israel jumped out of their seats and cheered! It wasn’t just a small celebration; it was an overwhelming outpouring of joy and relief. The City Falls Silent: The city itself became quiet – almost as if it were holding its breath. This silence is key to understanding what happened next. What Did They Do? They Slaughtered Athaliah: With a swift and decisive action, the people of Israel slain Athaliah with the sword . The Meaning – It's About Justice & Protection This verse is a powerful message about: Divine Protection: God actively intervened to protect his people. He wasn’t just letting things happen; he was guiding events to ensure justice and safety. Justice Served: The verse highlights that God’s judgment is often swift, but it's ultimately for good reasons - to punish evil and protect the righteous. In short, this verse describes a moment of intense joy and relief when people celebrated the victory over a dangerous threat to their safety and well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context behind this verse (like what was happening in David’s life)? Provide a little more detail about the story of Athaliah?