Definition: Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 33:11. It’s a really important passage about judgment and God's plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a devastating attack by the king of Assyria – a powerful, militaristic nation – who was deliberately targeting Manasseh, a leader in Israel, with terrible consequences. Let's break it down word-by-word (a bit simplified): “Wherefore”: This means "because" or "for the reason." It’s introducing a reason for what follows. “the LORD brought upon them”: God is directly involved and responsible for this event. It's not just some force; it was specifically orchestrated by God. “the captains of the host of the king of Assyria”: This is the key part. The Assyrian king, who was incredibly powerful and aggressive, was sending his most experienced and well-equipped army to attack Manasseh. "Captains of the host" means a large, organized military force. “which took Manasseh among the thorns”: This is figurative language – “the thorns” represent suffering and hardship. The Assyrians were deliberately targeting a specific person – Manasseh – with something painful. “bound him with fetters”: This means they locked Manasseh up, restricting his freedom and causing him significant pain. They bound him with shackles. “and carried him to Babylon”: They took Manasseh to Babylon, a very important city, as a captive or prisoner. What's the Significance? This verse paints a picture of a period of intense oppression and hardship for Israel under Assyrian rule. It’s a clear warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of trusting in God’s protection. It highlights that even though they were a powerful nation, God was actively working to bring them suffering through this event. In essence, it's a story of divine judgment being enacted against a nation, with a very specific focus on causing pain and hardship. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage with many layers of meaning. Different interpretations exist within biblical studies. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this event in the Old Testament? Share some related stories or themes from the Bible?