Definition: But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which [belongeth] to Judah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:11. It’s a little tricky, but it's about wealth and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a wealthy man named Amaziah from Judah was showing off his riches to a king called Jehoash of Israel. It highlights the importance of responsible wealth – not just having lots of stuff, but also understanding that it comes with a duty. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But Amaziah would not hear…” : This means Amaziah wasn’t listening to what Jehoash was saying or doing. He was focused on his own wealth and pleasure. “…Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up…” : Jehoash, the king, decided to travel to Bethshemesh, a city located in Judah. “And he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which [belongeth] to Judah.” : This is the key part. Jehoash and Amaziah were facing each other in Bethshemesh. He was looking at the city, and it's important to understand that Bethshemesh belongs to Judah. What does this all mean? This verse is a warning about the potential for wealth to corrupt people. It’s saying: Wealth isn't enough on its own. Having lots of riches doesn't make you a good leader or responsible person. It can lead to conflict. When someone becomes too focused on their own wealth and power, it can cause problems with neighboring kingdoms like Israel and Judah. Responsibility comes with position. Jehoash was showing off his wealth, and this action created tension between the two kingdoms. In a nutshell: The verse is a reminder that powerful positions come with a responsibility to be just and fair. It's about balance – having enough for your family and kingdom, but also being mindful of how you use your wealth and influence. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I can: Explain the context of the story. Discuss the significance of Bethshemesh.