Definition: Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage from the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a period of intense and seemingly inexplicable conflict and division within Israel during the reign of King Josiah. It describes a situation where many people were prevented from making significant decisions or taking actions that would have been beneficial for Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Surely there was not holden such a passover…” – This is a strong word. “Holden” means "to prevent" or "to stop." So, this phrase suggests something prevented from happening. “…from the days of the judges that judged Israel…” - The judges were rulers of Israel during a time of great upheaval and conflict. They were responsible for overseeing the land and making decisions. This refers to a very long period of history – the time when the Israelites were under heavy rule. “nor in all the days of the kings of Israel…” - This continues the focus on the long period of history. It means that even after Josiah, there were still instances where people weren't allowed to act in a way that would have been good for Israel. “…nor of the kings of Judah…” – This adds another layer: It also describes situations where decisions weren’t made or actions weren't taken within the kingdom of Judah, which was also under pressure and conflict during this time. What does it mean practically? The verse suggests a period of serious instability and potentially even a breakdown in leadership within Israel. It implies that there were many opportunities for good things to happen but these opportunities were blocked by forces beyond anyone’s control - perhaps due to political maneuvering, internal conflict, or perhaps something more mysterious. Important Note: The exact reasons behind this "blockage" aren't explicitly stated in the verse. It leaves room for interpretation and speculation among scholars. It suggests a time of significant challenge. In short, this verse highlights a period of troubled times when many opportunities to do good for Israel were thwarted. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in biblical history? Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific part of the verse?