Definition: And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 2 Kings 1:15 together. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse tells us about an angel of God appearing to Elijah. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And the angel of the LORD”: This refers to a very powerful and significant figure – the Lord himself, represented as an angel. Angels are often seen as messengers or protectors of God. “said unto Elijah…” This is where it gets interesting. The angel is speaking to Elijah. It's like a conversation being held. “Go down with him”: This means the angel is inviting Elijah to follow him. “be not afraid of him.” - This is a crucial part! It’s saying that the angel isn’t threatening or scary; he’s offering reassurance and encouragement. “And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.” – Now, Elijah was a prophet who had been called to a very difficult task – to go to King Ahab and warn him about the evil plans of Jezebel. This verse says that Elijah voluntarily chose to go with the angel. He rose up and followed the angel. Then, they went down to the king’s palace. What does this mean in a bigger picture? This is often interpreted as an early example of God's plan for a future conflict. The angel of the Lord is essentially preparing for a battle against evil – and Elijah is being sent out to carry that message. It’s a sign of God's power and judgment, but also a step towards a larger, ongoing struggle. In essence, this verse portrays a moment of divine intervention where God’s presence is shown through an angel, encouraging and guiding someone on a significant journey. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you some context about the time this was written?