Definition: Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, [Is it] not [good], if peace and truth be in my days?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage from the Book of 2 Kings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Hezekiah, King of Judah, asking God to confirm that his reign would be peaceful and filled with truth. It's a plea for reassurance and blessing. Let’s break it down word by word: “2 Kings 20:19” : This refers to a specific event in the Book of Kings – a prophecy about the future. “Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah” : Hezekiah is speaking directly to Isaiah, a prophet who was trusted by King David. “Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken.” - This means Hezekiah is saying that the words of God that Isaiah has just spoken are true and good. It's a compliment to Isaiah’s message. “And he said, [Is it] not [good], if peace and truth be in my days?”” : This is the core of the verse. Hezekiah is asking a crucial question: “Is this peace and truth really going to happen for me? Is it good for me to rule in a time where there’s peace and honesty?” Putting it all together – What does it mean? Hezekiah was worried that his reign might be turbulent. He feared war, rebellion, or instability. So, he's pleading with God to confirm that his leadership would lead to a stable and peaceful time for him and his people. He’s essentially asking: “Please, God, make sure my rule is blessed and safe.” Why is this a significant verse? This passage is often seen as a foreshadowing of the final events leading up to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. It suggests that God was aware of the potential for conflict and wanted to ensure a peaceful outcome – perhaps through divine intervention or the stability of His kingdom. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated by scholars for centuries, and there’s still some mystery surrounding it. However, it's generally understood as a plea for God's blessing on Hezekiah's reign and his people. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the Book of 2 Kings? Discuss what "peace" and "truth" might represent in the Bible? Explore the historical significance of this passage?