Definition: Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 22:20. It's a pretty dramatic passage about the future of a kingdom and its people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a time when God is going to bring a lot of trouble and hardship to a specific place – likely a kingdom or city. However, God has a plan for those who remain alive and are safe. Let's unpack the parts: “Behold, therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers…” - This is a gentle warning. "Behold" means “see” or “look.” It’s telling us that God is going to bring something bad happening to this place. He's setting up a plan for the future. “…and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace…” - This is the key part. “Graves” can mean burial or death. It suggests that God will bring about a peaceful, restful end for those who are left alive. It’s not a terrifying ending, but rather a comfortable one. “…and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place.” - This is a crucial part. God is going to cause significant hardship, loss, and suffering. The verse emphasizes that he (God) is controlling this outcome. It’s saying that while there will be bad things, God intends for those who are left to remain safe and undisturbed. “And they brought the king word again.” - This indicates a message from the King or ruler of the kingdom, alerting them to impending danger. It's a way of preparing the people for what’s coming. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is a prophecy about a period of great suffering and loss in the future. It speaks of God's judgment and plan to bring about a time of rest and peace for those who remain. It’s a reminder that even though things will be difficult, God ultimately provides for his people through this hardship. Important Note: This is a complex passage from an ancient text. Interpreting it requires careful consideration of the historical context and understanding the Old Testament's theological views at the time. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from 2 Kings? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage in more detail?