Definition: And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:14. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it as follows: The Basic Idea: This passage describes a shift in focus within the temple – specifically, the priests (who were responsible for offering sacrifices) were busy and preoccupied with their work. They were dedicated to preparing for these rituals. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests…” : This means that the priests were working on preparing for a specific purpose – offering sacrifices. “…because the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night…” : This is the key part. "The sons of Aaron" refers to a specific group of priests who were responsible for performing these rituals. They were actively involved in burning incense (burnt offerings) and preparing fatty meats (the fat) – all before sunset. It was a very busy period. “Until night” suggests they continued working even when the day was ending. “…therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.” : This explains why the Levites were preparing. They were now also involved in this work. They were essentially taking on a similar task – preparing to offer sacrifices and provide food for the priests. In simpler terms: The priests were so focused on their duties that they started working alongside the Levites, both preparing for the same religious rituals. What’s the Big Picture? This verse illustrates a pattern of responsibility within the temple. It shows that there was a clear division of labor and a coordinated effort to ensure these important religious ceremonies were completed. It highlights the importance of teamwork in maintaining the sacred space. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a slightly different way to interpret it?