Definition: Hezekiah began to reign [when he was] five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name [was] Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:1 together. It tells us a bit about when Hezekiah became king and how long he ruled. Here's a simplified explanation: Basically, it says: Hezekiah was King of Judah for a long time – around 25 years and then another 19 years! And his mother’s name was Abijah, who was the daughter of Zechariah. Let’s unpack it a little further: “Hezekiah began to reign” : This means Hezekiah started as king – he took over the position. “five and twenty years old” : This is a significant number! It shows he was young when he became king. “and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem” : That’s 25 + 19 = 44 years! He ruled during that time in the city of Jerusalem. “And his mother’s name [was] Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.” : This gives us a little background about his family. His mother's name was Abijah, and she was the daughter of Zechariah. What does this tell us? It suggests Hezekiah had a long and successful reign in Jerusalem. It’s a bit of a historical detail – it shows he was a capable leader for many years. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant (like, what does it tell us about His reign)? Discuss the context of the time period?

Definition: Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:10. It’s a pretty powerful and complex passage, but here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s concern for his people – Israel – and his desire to maintain a good relationship with them. It expresses a feeling of worry and a plan to soften God’s anger. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Now [it is] in mine heart…” : This means the speaker (likely King David) is confessing to himself – expressing a deep thought or feeling. “…to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel…” : A covenant is basically an agreement between two people. This verse refers to a specific agreement made with God, signifying a relationship and trust. “that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.” : This is the core of the message. "Fierce wrath" means anger or displeasure – something that could be very hurtful and destructive. The speaker wants his anger to change, to lessen, or even disappear. What does it mean practically? David was worried that God’s anger might become too intense towards Israel. He wasn't necessarily saying he wanted God to be angry – rather, he was trying to find a way to keep the relationship with God strong and peaceful. Context is Key: This verse comes from a time when David was experiencing a period of significant internal conflict and perhaps even questioning his own faith. It's a moment of deep reflection and a plea for reassurance. In short, this verse expresses a desire for peace and stability with God, acknowledging that there’s a risk of anger and expressing a hope to minimize it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Give you a summary of its significance?

Definition: My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:11. It's a really important message about our relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “My sons, don't be lazy ! Don’t take your God for granted. He has chosen you to serve Him and to minister to Him – meaning to worship and honor Him.” Let's unpack that a little further: "My sons..." - This refers to the Israelites (the people of Israel) – specifically, they are the ones God chose to be his servants. "...be not now negligent..." - This is a warning. “Negligent” means neglecting or failing to do something. It’s like saying "don't slack off!" "...for the LORD hath chosen you..." – This is the key part! The Lord (God) has specifically chosen you to be his servants. He’s not just choosing anyone; he's choosing you for a specific purpose. "...to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him..." - This means you are called to follow God’s will and to dedicate yourself to serving Him. It also means you are called to offer worship – to show your love and devotion to Him. “Minister unto him” is a fancy way of saying "to serve him." Think of it like this: God wants a relationship with people, and he wants you to be a part of that relationship. He’s asking you to be dedicated to being His servant – to give your time, effort, and attention to Him. In short, the verse is urging the Israelites to be diligent in their worship and service to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how we can serve God?

Definition: Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:12. It's a really important passage about God’s covenant with His people – essentially, a promise of protection and blessing. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s a list of leaders who were chosen to serve as priests and officials for God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then the Levites arose…” – This refers to a group of men known as the Levites. They were a special class of priests and musicians in ancient Israel. Think of them as the religious leaders and musicians who performed sacred rituals. “…Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah…” – These are two specific names for people chosen to lead this group. “Mahath” is a name that means "the one who rises" or "the one who takes charge.” “Joel” is another name meaning "the one who follows." “…of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari…” – “Kohathites” was a specific family line in ancient Israel. “Merari” was another. These are names that suggest they were important figures in a particular group or position. “…and of the sons of Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites…” – This continues listing names, each representing a different person within this group. “Kish” is associated with a certain family. "Azariah" is another name. "Jehallelel" was a family name. “Gershonites” refers to a particular lineage. “…and Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:” – Finally, we have four more names: Joah, who means "God is with us," Eden, also meaning "new beginning," and Joah, again, meaning "God is with us." So, what's the big takeaway? This list shows that God chose a group of people – priests and officials – to serve as leaders for His people. This was part of a larger covenant (a promise) established by God. It’s a reminder that He chooses those who are dedicated to serving Him and upholding His will. Why is this important? This passage highlights several key ideas: Divine Authority: It shows that God has chosen leaders, demonstrating His authority over His people. Order and Purpose: It suggests a structured system of leadership, reflecting God's plan for His kingdom. Trust in God’s Plan: The fact that God chose these individuals underscores His careful planning and purpose for humanity. Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the significance of the Levites. Explain what “covenant” means in the context of this passage. Connect it to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:13. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it in a straightforward way. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the lineage of a group of people who lived in Jerusalem during the reign of King David. It’s listing their names and some key details about them. Let’s unpack each part: “2 Chronicles 29:13” : This is the verse itself, found within the Book of Chronicles. It's a passage from the Old Testament. “And of the sons of Elizaphan…” : This means “And of the descendants of Elizaphan.” Elizaphan was a significant figure in biblical history and is connected to the kings of Israel. It’s a way of identifying a specific line of ancestry. “…Shimri, and Jeiel:” These are the names of two children from this line: Shimri and Jeiel. They were important members of the family. “And of the sons of Asaph…” : This continues the list, with another group of descendants named Asaph. “…Zechariah, and Mattaniah:” Finally, we have three more names – Zechariah, Mattaniah, and others. Putting it all together: The verse lists a group of people who descended from Elizaphan, Shimri, Jeiel, Asaph, and Zechariah. It’s essentially tracing back the family line to a specific point in time – during King David's reign in Jerusalem. What’s the significance? This list is often interpreted as a historical record of the founding families of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. It's a way of establishing roots and lineage for the people of Israel, suggesting a connection to their ancestors. --- Important Note: Biblical texts can be complex! This explanation provides a general understanding of what the verse is saying. If you’d like me to delve deeper into any specific aspect – perhaps the historical context or its meaning within the Bible – just let me know.

Definition: And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:14. It’s a fascinating and somewhat mysterious passage about a group of people who were involved in a significant event in ancient Israel. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a line of descendants from a specific family – the sons of Heman – that played a key role in establishing a religious community in Israel. It’s about a group of people who were deeply involved in religious leadership and perhaps even possessing special abilities. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And of the sons of Heman…” : This refers to a particular family line, likely one connected to the biblical patriarch Heman. Heman was a significant figure in the early history of Israel. “…Jeh Jehiel and Shimei:” : These are two of the children of Heman. They were known for their distinctive qualities – “Jeh” means "peace" and “Shimei" means "the one who is strong." So, these two were considered to be particularly blessed and influential. “…of the sons of Jeduthun…” : This refers to another family line, connected to Jeduthun, a king known for his wisdom and justice. “…Shemaiah, and Uzziel:” These are three more children of Heman, named Shemaiah and Uzziel. So, what does this tell us? This verse describes a group of descendants who were entrusted with religious responsibilities. It suggests they were involved in: Establishing a Religious Community: The family line is connected to the establishment of a significant religious community within Israel. Leadership and Divine Favor: These individuals were considered blessed and given special roles within this community. A Line of Responsibility: The verse highlights a lineage that carried a certain weight – they were part of a group with important responsibilities in worship and guidance. Important Note: This is a relatively complex passage, and there's still some interpretation among scholars. It’s often interpreted as signifying a lineage of people who held positions of leadership and influence within Israelite society. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the names "Jeh" and "Shimei"? Discuss the potential historical context surrounding this family line?

Definition: And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty significant one with a lot of meaning! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very important and solemn act – cleaning a temple. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they gathered their brethren…” - This means a group of people, likely priests and officials, were working together. “…and sanctified themselves…” - “Sanctify” means to make something holy or pure. So, these people were cleaning the temple with a special purpose – making it clean and worthy of God. It's like giving it a new, pristine appearance. “And came, according to the commandment of the king…” - This is where it gets interesting! “The King” refers to King David, who was a very important leader in ancient Israel. He gave instructions for this cleaning – he said, "Do this, and do that." So, they were following a specific set of rules or directions from God. “By the words of the LORD…” - This is crucial . It means the instructions came directly from God himself, not from anyone else. Putting it all together: Essentially, these people were being instructed by God to clean a temple (a sacred place for worship). They followed the rules given to them by David, and they did so with a deep sense of reverence and obedience. It was a very serious task meant to honor God. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a key part of understanding the Old Testament and the idea that God is in control and always works through His people. It shows how God's will is prioritized, even over personal comfort or convenience. In short: This verse tells us that God instructed his followers to cleanse a sacred place with great care and obedience, reflecting a deep commitment to worship and honoring Him. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to elaborate on the significance of "the King" or perhaps discuss what this story might symbolize? Just let me know!

Definition: And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse [it], and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took [it], to carry [it] out abroad into the brook Kidron.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 29:16 together. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic description of a significant event in ancient Israel’s history. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a time when the Israelites were building a temple – a sacred place for God to worship. During this process, some people, including priests (high officials), started making mistakes or finding something unclean within the temple. They needed to get rid of this impurity. Here’s what happened step-by-step: 1. The Priests Go In: The priests were tasked with going inside the temple and carefully cleaning it. They were looking for anything that wasn't clean or pure. 2. Bringing Out the Unclean Things: They found things – dirt, stains, something not right – inside the temple. 3. The Levites Take It Out: The Levites (a group of priests and helpers) were then responsible for carrying these unclean items outside the temple grounds into a stream called Kidron. What does this all mean? This story is about a period of serious impurity and a need for thorough cleansing. It speaks to the importance of: Religious Cleanliness: The act highlights that God demands a high standard of purity in worship and religious life. Careful Observation: It shows the importance of careful watching and investigation – looking beyond the surface to detect problems. Responsibility: The Levites were entrusted with this task, showing their role as guardians of the temple’s sanctity. Important Context (A Little Background): This passage comes before a large portion of the Book of 2 Chronicles. It's part of a larger narrative about Israel’s history and the rebuilding of the temple. It’s often interpreted as a reminder that even the most holy places can be susceptible to contamination if not properly cared for. In short, this verse describes a cleansing ritual – a thorough purification – performed by priests to remove something impure from within the temple. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?

Definition: Now they began on the first [day] of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD: so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:17. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage about how God was working to protect His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense prayer and dedication by the Israelites (and perhaps others) – specifically, the priests – to dedicate a specific space for worship and communion with God. They were essentially making the house of God sacred for an extended period. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now they began on the first [day] of the first month…” This tells us this happened at the very beginning of a specific month – likely in the springtime, perhaps when the land was newly green and fertile. “…to sanctify…” “Sanctify” means to make something holy or pure. The Israelites were cleaning and preparing this space for God’s presence. “and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD:” They traveled a considerable distance to a special area – a porch or walkway – near the Tabernacle (a place where God lived with His people). “…so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.” This is the really important part. They spent eight days completely dedicating themselves to prayer, worship, and offering. Then, on the sixteenth day of the first month, they finished their work – they closed the space off, signifying a complete dedication. What’s the Significance? This verse speaks to several key themes: God’s Presence: It emphasizes God's desire for His people to be close to Him and to dwell in His presence. Prayer and Worship: It highlights the importance of dedicated prayer and worship as a way to connect with God. Commitment & Dedication: The extended period of time spent on this task shows how serious they were about their relationship with God. Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among scholars. It’s believed to be related to the construction of a special area for worship in Jerusalem during the reign of King David and Solomon, but it's not fully clear why they spent so much time on it. In short, this verse describes a period of intense prayer and dedication that ultimately led to the sanctification – making the space holy – of the house of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 29:18. It’s a really significant moment in history! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, they were cleaning up something incredibly important – a temple dedicated to God. Let’s unpack that: “They went in to Hezekiah the king…” - This tells us who is speaking. It's a group of people who were involved in a religious ceremony and perhaps a very powerful leader named Hezekiah. “…and said, We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof.” – This is the core of the verse. Let's break it down further: “The house of the Lord” : This refers to the temple itself. It was a place where God lived and worshipped. “The altar of burnt offering” : This was a special area where sacrifices were made to thank God for blessings and to ask for guidance. It was a crucial part of their religious rituals. “with all the vessels thereof” : This means they completely cleaned and prepared everything inside – the altar, the offerings (food and objects), and all the containers holding them. So, what’s the big deal? This story shows that Hezekiah was a very devout king who was incredibly dedicated to God. It's a reminder of how important religious purity and reverence were in ancient Israel. Why is this important? It highlights the importance of ritual purity: The act of cleaning and preparing the temple demonstrates a deep commitment to God’s presence and worship. It speaks to holiness and devotion: The meticulous cleansing emphasizes that the people were striving to honor God with their actions. In short, this verse describes a very serious act of religious purification and reverence – a king taking immense pride in his dedication to God. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse further? For example: What does "the house of the Lord" symbolize? Why was this cleaning so important historically?