Definition: So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 30:6. It’s a pretty serious message about God’s plan for Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to restore the remnant of Israel, those who are spared from the power of Assyria (a powerful nation across the Mediterranean Sea). It’s a desperate plea for their return to Him. Let's break it down word by word: “So the posts went with the letters from the king…” - This refers to a message sent by King Hezekiah of Judah, urging the people to return to God. It was a time of crisis and worry for Israel. “…and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah…” - Hezekiah’s messengers were traveling throughout the entire kingdom of Israel and Judah – a vast area. This highlights the importance of this message reaching everyone. "...and according to the commandment of the king…” - This is crucial . It means King Hezekiah, in response to the plea from his people, issued a specific command: “Turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.” Hezekiah was essentially saying, "We need you to return to our God!" "...saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…” - This is a direct command – “Children of Israel, return to God!” "...and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.” - This is the heart of the verse. “Remnant” means those who have survived a disaster or a time of hardship. "The hands of the kings of Assyria" refers to the powerful and aggressive nation of Assyria, who were constantly threatening Israel. God’s plan was to restore these people back to their rightful place – with Him as the center of their worship and life. Hezekiah hoped that by returning, they would be protected from being conquered again. In a nutshell: King Hezekiah sent a message urging Israel and Judah to return to God, and that message was interpreted as a call for them to repent – to turn away from the wickedness of Assyria – and ultimately, to find their way back to the loving presence of God. Why is this important? This verse speaks about resilience and faith. It's a reminder that even when things seem bleak, there’s hope for restoration and return to what’s right. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan even when it seems difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in biblical history? Discuss its significance from a theological perspective?