Definition: So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 32:4. It's a bit mysterious, but it speaks to a powerful message about God’s protection and strategy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is preparing for a potential invasion by the Assyrian army – a powerful military force from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). He’s taking steps to prevent them from gaining access to the land and its resources. Here's a breakdown of each part: “So there was gathered much people together…” : This means God is creating a large gathering – a crowd – of people, likely including Israelites (and possibly other groups). “…who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land…” : This describes a deliberate act of blocking or diverting water sources. Think of it like stopping rivers and streams from flowing. This is crucial because water is vital for life and agriculture. "...saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?" – This is the core of the verse. The people are asking why the Assyrian army would want to invade and take advantage of this plentiful water supply. What's the point? The message is that God is safeguarding something precious – the life-giving water – for his people, especially those in the land being threatened by the Assyrians. It’s a strategic move to protect Israel from potential harm. Symbolic Meaning (a little deeper): This verse can be interpreted as a representation of God's protection and sovereignty over his chosen people. It highlights that God is actively involved in safeguarding His people and their prosperity, even against powerful enemies. In short, the verse tells us that God is anticipating an attack by the Assyrians and is taking steps to make it difficult for them to succeed by controlling the flow of water. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect in more detail? Provide context about the story of 2 Chronicles 32?