Definition: And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 26:15. It’s a really interesting passage about King David’s ambition and God’s response! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, King David was trying to build powerful defenses for Jerusalem. Let’s unpack the details: “And he made in Jerusalem engines…” – This refers to building things. David wanted to create tools and devices to protect his city. “…invented by cunning men…” – This is key. He wasn't just making simple tools; these were sophisticated, clever designs. It suggests a bit of ingenuity and perhaps even some trickery. "...to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks...” – These are the places where he wanted to put his defenses. Think of them as strong points around Jerusalem’s walls. “…to shoot arrows and great stones withal.” – This is where it gets really powerful. He wasn't just building for defense; he was creating weapons! He designed arrow launchers and could launch large stones, making him a formidable threat. “And his name spread far abroad…” - This is the most significant part. David’s ambition to build these defenses spread far – it reached everyone who knew about him. It showed the world how brilliant he was. "...for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.” - This means that because of his efforts and skill, God gave him the strength and ability to carry out his plans. He wasn't just building; he was being aided by divine grace. In short, David’s ambition to create powerful defenses for Jerusalem was a bold and successful undertaking, thanks to God’s help. What does this verse tell us about David? He was ambitious: He wanted to protect his people. He was skilled: He created impressive tools. He was blessed: God helped him succeed. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to another Bible story or theme (like David's bravery)?