Definition: And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 18:18. It’s a pretty significant passage in the Old Testament that speaks about God’s judgment and a specific event. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is directly intervening to punish people who are disobeying His commands. It’s essentially a consequence for sin. Let’s break it down word by word: “And when they had called to the king…” – This means that someone, likely a leader or authority figure, asked the King a question or made a request. “…there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household…” – “Eliakim” is a specific title for a person who served as a chief advisor and administrator to the king. "The son of Hilkiah" tells us this person held a very important position – he was overseeing the entire household of the King. “and Shebna the scribe…” – “Shebna” is a scribe, someone who recorded things. “…and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.” – "Joah" is another scribe, and “Asaph” was a recorder or keeper of records. Putting it all together: This verse tells us that God called to the King, and a specific person named Eliakim, along with two scribes (Shebna and Joah), were sent to oversee the household of the King. It’s implying that this person was involved in some kind of wrongdoing or disobedience – likely related to the king's authority or the well-being of his people. What does it mean? This is a warning from God about the consequences of disobeying His rules and commands. It suggests that sin can have serious repercussions, and God will hold those accountable for their actions. Important Note: The context of this verse is within the larger story of the book of Kings, which describes a time of conflict and judgment. It’s a reminder that obedience to God's laws is crucial for maintaining peace and prosperity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Kings 18? Discuss the meaning of the word "Eliakim" in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger theme in the Bible (like obedience or divine justice)?