Definition: So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which [belonged] to the kings; for they said, He [is] a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 26:23. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it as follows: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of time when a man named Uzziah was buried alongside his father in a specific location – a field that belonged to the kings. It suggests there was a period of hardship or difficulty for Uzziah. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "So Uzziah slept with his fathers..." : This means Uzziah’s family lived and practiced in a particular area, likely a farming community. They were comfortable and had a stable life. "...and they buried him with his fathers..." : This is the key part. The burial was done according to tradition – it was a traditional burial practice of the time. "...in the field of the burial which [belonged] to the kings..." : This is where things get interesting. The land where Uzziah’s father and his family were buried belonged to the kings. It suggests there might have been a conflict or dispute over this land, perhaps involving the kings themselves. "...for they said, He [is] a leper..." : This is a very important part of the verse. The people who buried Uzziah said that he was a “leper.” “Leper” in ancient times meant someone who was considered cursed or unclean – often due to illness or misfortune. This phrase suggests there was a deep feeling of sadness and perhaps even blame associated with Uzziah’s situation. "...and Jotham his son reigned in his stead." : This tells us that after Uzziah's death, his son, Jotham, took over as king. The verse says that he ruled in his stead . Overall Meaning & Context: The entire verse paints a picture of a difficult and possibly troubled period in Israel’s history. It suggests: Conflict: There was likely a dispute or conflict over the land of burial. Sadness and Burden: The people felt burdened by Uzziah's misfortune, perhaps feeling like they were carrying the weight of his suffering. Transition: It marks a shift in leadership, with Jotham taking control after Uzziah’s death. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this verse have been debated throughout history. It’s often seen as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and communities during ancient times. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage? Discuss its historical significance?