Definition: And he sent Eliakim, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 19:2. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for a time of great trouble in Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes God sending a team to help with a difficult situation. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And he sent Eliakim, which [was] over the household…” – This refers to Eliakim, who was a high-ranking official in King Josiah's court. He was responsible for overseeing and protecting important homes and families. Think of him as a guardian of the royal family and their possessions. “…and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests…” – This describes a group of people who were part of the ruling class - scribes (people who write) and leaders of the priesthood (religious officials). They were likely involved in managing resources and making important decisions. "...covered with sackcloth..." – This is crucially important. It means they were wearing special, heavy clothing – a "sackcloth" – to represent sorrow, shame, and perhaps even fear. This was a symbolic way of showing that something terrible was about to happen. "...to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz." – This is who they were sending. Isaiah was a prophet, meaning he spoke words of God, often with warning or guidance. He was specifically chosen because he was the son of Amoz (a name associated with leadership and responsibility). So, putting it all together: God is telling us that because of a terrible event about to happen – perhaps a period of famine, war, or disaster – he’s sending a team of officials (Eliakim, Shebna, and Isaiah) to protect the homes and families of the people. They're wearing a heavy symbol of sadness and fear, and they’re going to deliver a message of warning. What does this mean for us? It suggests that God is aware of impending problems and is actively working to avert them. It also highlights the importance of prayer and faith – because it shows that God is involved in our lives even during difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes?