Definition: But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty serious passage from the Old Testament, and it speaks about a very important decision King Jehoiada made. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: The Problem: King Jehoiada was facing a huge problem with his people in Israel. They were really upset with God. They were demanding that he give them more sacrifices, and they were angry at the king for not being generous enough. The Solution: He realized he needed to appease God, but he also wanted to show respect to God. He decided to take a chest filled with money – a significant amount of wealth – and bore a hole in the lid . He then placed it beside the altar (where priests performed sacrifices). What He Did: The priests who were responsible for guarding the door kept all that money inside. In Simple Terms - What Happened Next: Jehoiada, acting on his conscience, decided to remove the money from the chest. He then placed it right next to the altar . It was a symbolic gesture – he was saying, “I’m acknowledging God and showing respect, but I’m also taking this money to give back to Him.” The Significance: This verse is a reminder that even when we disagree with God or feel wronged, it's important to show reverence and acknowledge His presence. It highlights the idea that acknowledging God and giving back are vital parts of worship. Important Note: It’s crucial to understand this was a very significant act – a large amount of money was being removed. This shows Jehoiada wasn't just doing it out of anger; he was taking a step towards showing humility and respect. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament? For example, we could discuss: The reason why the king was so upset with his people. What kind of sacrifices were being demanded? The symbolism of the hole in the lid?