Definition: And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from 2 Kings 19:14. It's a pretty dramatic and important passage about Godโs care for Israel during a time of great trouble. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling Hezekiah (a king) that He knows about the terrible situation heโs facing โ the Babylonian invasion. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers..." - This means God sent a message to Hezekiah, probably through someone close to him. It wasn't a direct, urgent call; it was a message of warning and hope. "...and read it:" โ Hezekiah was listening intently to this message. "...and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD..." - This is key! The "house of the LORD" refers to the Tabernacle, which was Godโs dwelling place in Jerusalem. Going into that house meant he was going to pray and seek God's guidance. "...and spread it before the LORD." โ Hezekiah was telling this message to God. He was presenting it as evidence of his situation, acknowledging his problems, and asking for help from a powerful being. So, what does this all mean? Itโs essentially saying: "God is aware of the danger you're in, and He wants to talk with you." Hezekiah was showing that he wasn't ignoring God, and he was seeking His help โ a very significant moment when a leader is facing a crisis. Why is this important? This verse shows: Godโs Watchfulness: It emphasizes Godโs constant care for his people, even in the midst of hardship. Trusting in God: Hezekiah was trusting that God would provide him with strength and protection. In short, it's a story about acknowledging a difficult situation and turning to God for guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?