Definition: Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 28:12. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a battle happening in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: "Certain of the heads..." : This refers to prominent leaders – kings, priests, and officials – who were known for their power and influence. They were essentially the top guys in charge. "...of the children of Ephraim..." : Ephraim was a region in Israel, known for its people. "Children" here means these leaders were part of the Ephraimite group. "...Azariah the son of Johanan..." : This is a specific leader named Azariah. "...Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth..." : Another leader named Berechiah. “Meshillemoth” doesn’t have an easy translation, but it likely means someone associated with a powerful or secretive group. "...Jehizkiah the son of Shallum..." : And another leader – Jehizkiah. "Shallum" is also a name that suggests a connection to power and perhaps something ancient. "...Amasa the son of Hadlai..." : Finally, there’s Amasa, who was a prominent figure. What Did They Do? They stood up against someone else. This is the key part. They were essentially defending themselves against a larger group – those coming from war. The Overall Meaning (Putting it all together): This verse describes a gathering of powerful leaders, and they deliberately chose to oppose a larger force coming into their territory. It suggests a conflict or resistance was about to happen. It’s a snapshot of a time when there was tension and potential for trouble within Judah. Important Note: This is based on the text itself. The exact details of what they were resisting from war are not explicitly stated, but it's clear they were facing an enemy threat. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific element of the verse in more detail (like the context of the "war")? Give you a brief overview of the historical significance of this event?