Definition: And [so] it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, [that] they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew [some] of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really dramatic and somewhat unsettling passage from the Book of 2 Kings. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Story: This verse describes a moment where a group of Israelite people – specifically, the tribes of Israel – were being led by King Ahab to Jezreel (a city near Jerusalem) after a battle with the Egyptian army. They were feeling incredibly anxious and fearful because they believed God was punishing them for their sins. Now, here’s what happened next: A Lion Appeared: Suddenly, a lion appeared in the midst of the group. Lions are often associated with power and wildness – it's a symbol of fear and danger. The Lion Killed Some: The lion attacked and killed some people. What does this all mean? This is a story about God’s judgment against sin and disobedience. It highlights several key points: God's Justice: It shows that God is ultimately just and will punish those who turn away from Him. Fearful Response: The people were so terrified that they didn’t trust God, and they responded with fear instead of faith. Divine Intervention: God intervened to protect his people, even using a powerful animal as a symbol of His wrath. It's a Warning: The verse is a warning against being complacent in your faith and always trusting in God’s protection. It reminds us that we should never stop believing in Him, even when things seem frightening or uncertain. In short, it's a story about a moment of extreme fear leading to God using a powerful animal to protect his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in the Bible? Discuss the symbolism behind the lion? Talk about what the verse might be teaching us about faith and trust?