Definition: And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 24:21. It's a really important and dramatic part of the story about King Daniel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Daniel was being persecuted. Daniel had been trusted by King Belshama to interpret dreams and prophecies. He was essentially a very important advisor, but his faithfulness led to him being punished. The conspirators plotted against him. A group of officials – likely the king’s advisors – decided that Daniel was a threat and plotted to harm him. They stoned him with stones. This is the key part. They deliberately threw stones at Daniel, intending to kill him. It's a brutal act of hostility and defiance. What it Means in Plain Language: “And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.” Conspired: This means they worked together secretly to do something bad. They didn’t just randomly attack; they planned it. Stoned him: This is a very violent act – throwing stones at someone is a serious punishment. It's meant to be a symbolic death sentence. At the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD: This tells us where this happened. The King was overseeing the situation, and Daniel was being punished in his royal court – a place of power and authority. It emphasizes that this wasn't just random violence; it was part of a larger plan to punish him. What’s the Significance? This verse is significant because it shows: Political Intrigue: It highlights how powerful people can be and how they can actively work against someone who is trusted. Divine Justice (potentially): The act of stonewalling Daniel was likely a punishment from God, as he was considered to be in the right and deserved protection. In short, it’s a story about betrayal, defiance, and a severe consequence for those who tried to harm a trusted person. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Chronicles 24? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (e.g., how it relates to Daniel’s story)?