Definition: And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 15:22. It's a really important passage about the rise and fall of power in Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that Menahem, a young man named Menahem, peacefully slept while his father, Pekahiah, ruled in his stead. Let’s unpack that a little further: Menahem: This was a young, quiet boy who was likely a royal or important figure. Pekahiah: This was his father, and he held a position of power – perhaps a judge or leader. “He reigned in his stead”: This is the key part. It means that Pekahiah continued to hold the authority and responsibilities that Menahem had been assigned to. He was essentially the successor . What's the big takeaway? This verse describes a period of stability and quietness after the reign of a powerful king, but it also points towards potential trouble to come. It suggests that Pekahiah’s rule was short-lived and that there would be challenges for the future. Context is important: 2 Kings 15:22 is part of a larger story about a period of instability in Israel before the rise of King Pekah. It's often interpreted as foreshadowing the eventual conflict between Pekah and Ahab, which eventually led to the downfall of the wicked king. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about this story?