Definition: So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, [both] he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which [belongeth] to Judah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 25:21. It’s a really important moment in Israel's history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Joash the King is Going Up: Joash, the king of Israel, was traveling to Bethshemesh – a city located in Judah (a region that was later part of Israel). They Met Face to Face: He met with Amaziah, the king of Judah. They Were Facing Each Other: This is the key! They were looking at each other directly. What’s the Significance? This verse describes a very significant and unusual meeting between two powerful kings. It's a sign of peace and reconciliation. Here’s the core idea – it's about forgiveness and restoring a broken relationship: Historically, there was a conflict: In the past, there was a major disagreement or war between Israel and Judah. The Meeting Was a Turning Point: This meeting wasn't just a casual encounter. It was a moment where Joash and Amaziah acknowledged each other’s wrongdoing . They recognized that they both violated God’s law. God’s Intervention: The verse suggests that God is looking favorably upon the reconciliation, recognizing that this act of forgiveness shows a desire for peace and restoration. In short, it's a story about forgiveness and a renewed relationship between two kings who had been enemies. Important Note: This isn’t just about them being friendly. It was a crucial step in restoring a broken covenant and establishing a peaceful relationship between the two kingdoms. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like to know: Why this story is significant in biblical history? What does this verse say about God’s perspective on conflict?