Definition: And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:2. It’s a really important and sobering passage about King Solomon’s choices. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse describes a major turning point in the history of Israel after Solomon’s reign. It says that King Solomon did something incredibly wrong – he followed the bad habits of Jeroboam. Let’s unpack that: “And he did [that which was] evil…” - This is a strong way of saying he committed a serious transgression. It wasn't just a minor mistake; it was deliberately choosing to do something wrong. “…in the sight of the LORD.” – This is crucial. The Bible says that God saw this action, and that’s a really significant part of what makes it so important. It highlights the seriousness of Solomon’s choices. “and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat…” – This identifies who he was following. Jeroboam was a king who had previously disobeyed God, and Solomon chose to emulate his bad behavior. He essentially adopted his mistakes! “…the which made Israel to sin.” - This is the core of the verse. By following Jeroboam, Solomon's actions led to Israel’s widespread disobedience and sin. What it means in simpler terms: Basically, Solomon was influenced by a bad king and allowed his people to follow him down a path of wrongdoing. He became like Jeroboam – he chose the wrong path and caused problems for Israel. It was a significant loss of trust and stability for the kingdom. Why is this important? This verse tells us that Solomon wasn’t just a good king; he was prone to making bad choices. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and being influenced by others – even unintentionally. It shows how easily a single choice can have widespread consequences for a nation. In short, it says that Solomon's actions led to Israel’s downfall because he followed a bad example. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of this passage in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might teach us about leadership or making choices?

Definition: And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:20. It’s a really important piece of history that tells us about a devastating event. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Elisha died and the Moabites (a group of people living to the east of Israel) invaded the land. Let's unpack that a bit: Elisha: This was a prophet who lived long ago – think of him as a wise man who could see into the future. He died: It’s important to note he passed away. They buried him: After his death, his body was put in a tomb. The bands of the Moabites invaded the land: This is the key part. “Bands” refers to groups of people, and “Moabites” were a group who lived to the east of Israel. They started moving into the area, and eventually, they began to fight and conquer. What's the significance? This verse is a foreshadowing of a really big conflict. It tells us that the Moabites were planning something serious – they were going to attack and take over the land of Israel. It’s a clear sign that things are about to get very difficult for the Israelites. In short, it's a warning about impending war. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in biblical prophecy? Give you another verse from 2 Kings 13?

Definition: And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men]; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage from the Book of 2 Kings! Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a very unusual event that happened when the Israelites were burying a man who had died in Elisha’s care. They stumbled upon a group of men who were also burying a man. When they discovered the man, they realized they were looking at the same man – the one who had been buried by Elisha! Here's what’s happening step-by-step: 1. Burial & Discovery: The Israelites were burying a man. 2. Men Appear: A group of men appeared, also searching for something. 3. The Man is Moved: They found the same man buried as the one they were looking for. 4. They Cast Him Away: They cast this man into Elisha’s sepulcher (grave). This is a very important part – it means he was put to rest in Elisha's care. 5. The Miracle Happens: When they brought him down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he came back to life! He stood up! What does this all mean? This is a powerful story about God’s intervention and healing power. It suggests: God's Care & Protection: Elisha was looking after this man, and God didn’t want him to die. Divine Intervention: The verse highlights that God can directly intervene in events – even when we don’t expect it. Healing Power: It demonstrates the incredible healing power of God. In short, it's a story about a man being brought back from death by divine intervention. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain what the word “sepulcher” means in the context of biblical stories? Discuss why this story is significant in the Bible?

Definition: But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:22 together. It's a really important and somewhat sobering passage about a time in ancient history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that Hazael the Syrian ruler was causing trouble and oppression for many years in Israel. Let’s unpack it further: “But Hazael king of Syria…” : This tells us who the person is – a leader named Hazael from Syria. He was a powerful person in the region. “…oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz” : This is the core of the verse. “Israel” refers to the Israelites, the people God gave to Abraham and his descendants. "All the days of Jehoahaz" means he ruled for a long time – essentially for many years. So, Hazael was consistently causing problems and hardship for them. What does this tell us about the situation? This verse is significant because it highlights a period of instability and suffering in Israel under Hazael’s rule. It suggests that his actions were leading to a prolonged time of difficulty and perhaps even war or conflict for the Israelites. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a sign that God was deliberately allowing this situation to occur, possibly because it was causing distress to the people. It's not necessarily about why God allowed it, but rather that it was a consequence of his actions. In short, this verse describes a time when Hazael’s rule was leading to significant hardship and oppression for the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like what historical period it happened in)? Explore why this story is important in biblical interpretation?

Definition: And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:23. It’s a really important passage about God's protection and care for the Israelites during a difficult time. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God was showing kindness and respect to the people of Israel – specifically the Israelites – even though they were facing a terrible situation. Here’s a breakdown of what each part signifies: “And the LORD was gracious unto them…” - This means God felt sorry for the Israelites and offered them help. He wasn't just angry; he was feeling compassion. “…and had compassion on them…” - This is a key word. It means God understood their suffering and felt sympathy for them. He recognized they were in a tough spot. “…and had respect unto them…” – This shows that God valued these people, not just as a group, but as individuals. He didn't treat them as insignificant or unimportant. “because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…” - This is crucial . The Covenant is like a special agreement between God and the Israelites. It’s a promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the founders of the Jewish people). This covenant was about their relationship with God and their future destiny. “…and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence…” – This is the most important part! God didn’t want to harm them. He didn't threaten or force them into a terrible fate. He kept them safe and stayed with them . He wasn’t angry enough to send them away, but he was still protecting them. So, in short, this verse tells us that God saw the Israelites as worthy of love and protection, even when they were facing hardship. It's a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering care for his chosen people throughout history. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a sign that God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was strong and that he would always be on their side. --- Would you like me to: Explain it in more detail about the Covenant? Connect it to a specific event in biblical history?

Definition: So Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:24. It's a really important part of the story of how things went wrong for the northern kingdoms of Israel after the fall of Assyria. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Syria fell to the Babylonians (the Babylonians were a powerful empire at the time). And the ruler of Syria, Hazael, died. Now, Benhadad took over as king of Syria. Here's the key takeaway: This wasn’t a sudden takeover. It was a gradual process where the Babylonian kings (led by Benhadad) steadily gained control over Syria. It highlights how empires often shift power and influence – sometimes through death or a slow, creeping decline. Why is this significant? The Fall of Assyria: The fall of Assyria was a huge deal for the Israelites because they had been under their protection for centuries. This event triggered a chain reaction that led to the loss of control over surrounding territories. A Turning Point: It marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the region, setting the stage for further conflict and instability. In short, this verse tells us about a change in leadership – Syria fell to Babylon. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some context about the time period?

Definition: And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and powerful passage about a victory for God! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Benhadad was a King: Benhadad was a king who had captured several cities from the Israelites under Jehoahaz, who was the son of Jehoahaz. Jehoahaz fought back: Jehoahaz, remembering his father’s protection, led a war to reclaim those cities. Joash’s Victory: Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, was incredibly brave and skilled in battle. He repeatedly defeated Benhadad's forces three times! Cities Restored: After each victory, Joash completely rebuilt and restored the cities that Benhadad had taken. Putting it all together – a simple explanation: "Jehoash, remembering his father’s protection, fought fiercely against Benhadad. He repeatedly defeated him, restoring the cities of Israel to their former glory." Why is this important? This verse is a powerful testament to God's victory over evil and oppression. It shows that even after setbacks, God can bring about righteous triumph through courage and faith. It’s a story of hope and restoration! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Give you some context or background on this event? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (like courage, faithfulness, or God's justice)?