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?