Definition: And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 11:3. It’s a really interesting and complex story about a king and his wife. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: King Hezekiah of Judah was in trouble. He had a wife, Jezebel, who was deeply unhappy with him and plotted against him. She wanted to kill him. He hid her in the house of the LORD (the Temple). This is crucial. She wasn’t killed; she was hidden inside the Temple, which was a place of holiness and divine presence. Think of it like a secret safe spot for someone important. Six years he remained with her. This is the longest period of time the King spent with Jezebel. Athaliah took control. After six years, Jezebel's son, Athaliah, became queen. She wasn’t a traditional queen; she was a woman who ruled by force and ambition! What it Means – Simplified: This verse describes a very difficult situation for King Hezekiah. He was trapped with a dangerous woman, and her actions threatened his life and the stability of the kingdom. The fact that he spent six years hidden with her shows how seriously she was plotting against him. Important Note: It’s about her scheming, not about Jezebel herself. The verse focuses on Athaliah , who was a woman who used her position to become queen. She wasn't a traditional ruler; she was driven by bitterness and a desire for power. Overall Significance: This story highlights the dangers of: Political intrigue: Plots against rulers can have devastating consequences. The power of ambition: Someone’s desire for something can be very dangerous, even if they don't intend to cause harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give a little context about the time period? Connect it to a larger story or theme?