Definition: Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 17:5. It's a pretty dramatic statement about the future! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, King Assyria (a powerful empire located in Mesopotamia – think modern-day Iraq) was planning to invade and conquer Samaria. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Came up throughout all the land”: This means he moved across the entire region, from the coast of Israel to the mountains and plains. He wasn't just passing through; he was actively traveling. “Went up to Samaria”: Samaria was a major city in Judea (the area of modern-day Israel), and it was a significant religious center for Jews. So, this is where he intended to attack. “Beheld” – “besieged it three years”: This is the most crucial part. "Beheld" means to besiege, which means to trap someone or something in a city. Assyria planned to relentlessly attack Samaria for three whole years. They were determined to take it over. What's the big takeaway? This verse paints a picture of a very serious threat looming over Israel. It suggests that Assyria was becoming increasingly powerful and aggressive, and they were actively trying to destabilize the region through military action. It’s a warning about potential danger! Important Note: The Bible doesn't tell us why Assyria was doing this – it’s a mystery. But it’s clear this event was a significant challenge for the Jewish people and ultimately led to a period of hardship and exile in the future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when did it happen, why is it important)? Talk about the significance of the Assyrian Empire as a threat?