Definition: And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 9:24. It's a really interesting picture of how the Jewish people were being cared for during times of war or hardship. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the Israelites were being given a huge amount of gifts – money, valuable items – as a reward for their bravery and sacrifices during a time of conflict. Let's unpack it further: "And they brought every man his present..." : This suggests that everyone was receiving something. It wasn’t just a few people; it was everyone . "...vessels of silver, and vessels of gold..." : This is the key part. They were being given precious metals – silver and gold – as tokens of gratitude. These weren't just any coins; they were valuable and symbolic gifts. "...and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules..." : This list goes beyond just money. It shows a huge display of luxury and comfort. Imagine everyone dressed in the finest clothes, with beautiful horses and mules – it was a lavish display to show off their wealth and status. "...a rate year by year." : This is the most important part. "Rate year by year" means they were given this generous gift continuously for many years. It wasn’t just a one-time blessing; it was a sustained commitment of care and prosperity. The overall message is about: Gratitude: The Israelites were incredibly grateful for the protection and blessings God gave them during a difficult period. Wealth & Prosperity: The verse highlights the importance of wealth and prosperity in their lives, showing that God valued them as a nation. Divine Favor: It’s a powerful reminder that God loves his people and rewards them generously. In short, it's a story about a lavish gift – a substantial reward given to the Israelites for their bravery and a demonstration of God’s care for them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Compare it to other Bible stories about wealth or rewards?