Definition: And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a pretty interesting story about giving gifts to God and celebrating His presence. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant act of worship and blessing that happened during a time of crisis in Jerusalem. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “And many brought gifts unto the LORD…” – This refers to people offering sacrifices, prayers, and other expressions of devotion to God. It suggests a feeling of reverence and trust. “…to Jerusalem…” – This tells us the offering was happening in the heart of Jerusalem, the city where the Jewish people lived and worshipped. “and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah:” – This is the really important part! It means that a specific group of people – likely priests or officials – were bringing gifts specifically for King Hezekiah of Judah (a region in modern-day Israel). “…king of Judah:” - Hezekiah was a powerful ruler at this time. Giving gifts to him meant showing his importance and acknowledging his role within the kingdom. “so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.” – This is the big takeaway! It means that King Hezekiah’s reign would be significantly increased or enhanced because of these gifts. The word "magnified" suggests a visible and impressive increase in his power, status, and influence. It’s like saying he became even more important to everyone who was watching from afar. “From thenceforth” means “in the future,” or “after this.” In short: This verse describes a period of blessing where people gave gifts to King Hezekiah, which ultimately led to him becoming even more powerful and significant for the entire region. What’s it about? It's a reminder that God values worship and gives blessings to those who honor Him. It also speaks to the importance of recognizing and acknowledging His authority and presence in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you another example from the Bible?