Definition: Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 25:17. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising part of biblical history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very unusual meeting between two powerful kings – Amaziah of Judah and King Joash of Israel. They were both rivals, but this meeting was designed to test each other's power and understanding. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then Amaziah king of Judah…” : This tells us who the first person is – a powerful king in Judah (a region in Israel). “…sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu…” : This identifies the second person involved. Joash was the son of a king named Jehoahaz, and he was also a king of Israel. Jehoahaz was known for being a bit of a troublemaker in biblical times. “…king of Israel…” : This is the key! Joash wasn’t just a king of Judah – he was also a king of Israel. “saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.” : This is where it gets interesting. Amaziah was asking Joash to meet him. The phrase “in the face” means to look each other directly in the eyes – a very formal and serious gesture of respect and assessment. What’s the Significance? This meeting wasn’t about friendship or celebration. It was a strategic maneuver. Amaziah wanted to: Gauge Joash's Strength: Amaziah believed that Joash was a formidable ruler, and this meeting was a way to see if Joash could stand up to him. Assess Joash’s Loyalty: By meeting with Joash, Amaziah was subtly testing Joash’s loyalty to his kingdom. He wanted to know how Joash would react to being in the presence of a powerful king like himself. Why is it important? This event highlights that even when rivals are present, there's often an underlying calculation – a desire to see who holds more power and influence. It’s a reminder that power struggles can be complex and driven by much more than just friendly intentions. --- In short, this verse is a snapshot of a moment where two powerful kings were testing each other’s strength through a carefully orchestrated meeting. Do you want me to: Explain it further with a bit more detail? Discuss the potential meaning or symbolism behind this event?