Definition: And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever [else] cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 23:7. It’s a really important passage about how God wants to protect His people during times of trouble. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific plan for the Levites (essentially, the priests and musicians) to be vigilant and ready to defend the King – which is a symbolic representation of the entire kingdom – at all times. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Levites shall compass the king round about…” - Think of “compass” as a circle or a way to make sure everything is covered. The Levites are meant to be constantly watching and circling around the King, like a guard circling a castle. “…every man with his weapons in his hand…” - This means they need to be prepared for anything that might happen – whether it's an attack or just a moment of danger. They need to have tools and strength ready. “And whosoever cometh into the house, he shall be put to death:” - This is the scary part! It means anyone who enters the King’s house (a symbol of the kingdom) must be killed. It's a serious warning – it’s not just about a single person; it’s about anyone who could potentially cause trouble. “but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.” - This is the crucial part! The Levites are specifically meant to stay with the King as he enters and leaves. They're supposed to be there to protect him, to keep him safe, and to be ready for anything that might happen. In a nutshell: This verse tells us that the Levites have a duty to be ready to defend the King at all times, even if it means putting themself in danger. It's a strong message of protection and vigilance. What’s the Big Picture? This passage is part of a larger story about God's plan for His people throughout history. It speaks to the idea that God wants to protect His chosen ones, and He gives them special roles and responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific historical event or story?