Definition: And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, [even] two and forty men; neither left he any of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 10:14 together. It's a really important part of the story of the capture of King Hezekiah’s spies. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: King Hezekiah was facing a huge threat: The Bible tells us that Hezekiah had been plotting to attack Jerusalem and its surrounding territories. He believed his enemies were gathering strength. The spies arrived with bad news: Two spies, led by David, came to King Hezekiah and reported that the enemy forces were large and well-equipped. They said they would be victorious. What Happened Next – The Crucial Detail: They took the enemies alive: Instead of fighting, the spies told King Hezekiah to kill the enemy soldiers. This was a strategic move – they weren’t trying to win a battle, but to quickly eliminate the threat. The capture was swift and brutal: The spies captured 24 men who were part of the enemy army. They didn't hesitate; they killed them all alive . They left no one behind: This is the most striking part. The spies said, "Neither left he any of them." This means that every single man was killed. There wasn’t a single survivor. What It Means – A Message About God's Protection and Justice: This verse speaks to several important ideas: God’s Protection: It shows that God is actively protecting His people from evil forces. He doesn’t just stand by and watch; he intervenes decisively. Justice and Righteousness: The fact that the spies didn't spare a single man suggests that God is delivering justice, even in the face of defeat. It’s a demonstration of His righteousness. God’s Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control of everything, and He isn't afraid to take decisive action. In short, this verse describes a swift and decisive victory for God against his enemies, resulting in the complete elimination of the enemy forces. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story? Discuss the significance of the verse within the larger narrative of the book of 2 Kings?