Definition: So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go [out] on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 23:8. It’s a pretty important and complex verse, so we’ll take it step-by-step. Here's what it basically means in plain language: “So the Levites and all Judah did according to everything Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and they took every man his men that were to come in on the Sabbath, with them that were to go out on the Sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.” Let’s unpack it: “So the Levites and all Judah did according to everything Jehoiada the priest had commanded…” This means that after a long period of time, the people of Judah (which includes parts of modern-day Israel and Palestine) fully followed what Jehoiada the priest – who was the high priest – had instructed them to do. It’s about obedience to a specific set of rules and laws given by the priests. “…and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath…” This is where it gets interesting. “Sabbath” means a day of rest, a time for people to be holy and disconnected from work. This phrase means everyone – all the people in Judah – was expected to come to the Sabbath. They were required to be there. "...with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses." This is the crucial part! Jehoiada the priest had a specific rule about what happened during the Sabbath. He was allowed to choose who would come to the Sabbath. However, he didn't let anyone go out to the Sabbath. Putting it all together – The overall message: This verse describes a situation where Judah was being commanded to observe the Sabbath in a very strict way. Jehoiada, as the priest, had the authority and power to decide who would participate in the Sabbath. But he didn’t allow anyone to go out to the Sabbath, reinforcing the idea of a sacred day for rest and reflection. Why is this significant? This passage is often interpreted as a sign that Judah was drifting away from God and focusing on worldly affairs rather than following his commandments. It highlights the importance of obedience and staying connected to God’s will. It's a pivotal moment in biblical history, signaling a turning point towards a more righteous and focused community. In short: This verse describes a strict Sabbath law enforced by the priests, requiring everyone to be present on the Sabbath day. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a quick summary of its historical context?