Definition: And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that [was] at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 16:10. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible that describes a significant event involving King Ahaz and Assyria. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: King Ahaz is in trouble: The verse tells us King Ahaz of Judah was in a very difficult situation. He had been exiled by his son, Jehu, and was facing a serious threat from the powerful Assyrian king, Tiglathpileser. He meets Tiglathpileser: Tiglathpileser, a ruler of Assyria, sent a delegation to visit him. This is a very important meeting – it’s a crucial moment for Judah. He sees an altar in Damascus: The really strange part is that King Ahaz saw an altar built in the city of Damascus. This wasn't just any altar; it was a large, ornate altar made of stone and metal. Request for a replica: King Ahaz sent a priest named Urijah to request a copy of this altar. He wanted a perfect replica – something that matched the exact design and craftsmanship of the original. What's Happening (The Significance): This is where it gets a bit complicated, but here’s the core idea: Assyrian Power: Assyria was a powerful empire at the time, known for its military might and influence in the region. Tiglathpileser was a formidable ruler. The Alter as a Symbol: The altar in Damascus wasn't just a random structure. It served as a symbol of Assyrian power and dominance. It represented their authority and presence in the area. What it Means (Interpretation - This is where it gets deeper): This verse suggests that Tiglathpileser was actively trying to exert influence over Judah, and perhaps even try to conquer them. The altar was a deliberate attempt to show off Assyrian power and establish a presence in the land. Important Note: The text doesn’t explicitly say why King Ahaz sent this request. However, it's generally interpreted as a sign of weakness and a desperate plea for help from God. It highlights a moment where Judah was vulnerable to Assyrian aggression. In short, this verse describes a deliberate attempt by Assyria to demonstrate their power through a symbolic altar in Damascus, prompting a desperate request for assistance from the prophet Urijah. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Provide more context about the time period when this verse was written?