Definition: And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, [even] ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 24:14. It’s a really impactful image and speaks to a significant event in biblical history. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse describes a mass deportation of the people of Jerusalem – essentially, a complete evacuation – after the devastating siege and destruction of the city by the Philistines. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he carried away all Jerusalem…” : This refers to the final, desperate effort to remove the people of Jerusalem before their demise. It was a last-ditch attempt to prevent further bloodshed and potential loss of life. “…and all the princes…” : This names the leaders, officials, and important figures within the city. They were tasked with overseeing the evacuation. “…and all the mighty men of valour…” : This is a crucial detail – it highlights that these weren't just ordinary people. These were skilled warriors, soldiers, and those responsible for defense. “[even] ten thousand captives…” : This is the shocking part. The verse states that exactly ten thousand people were taken. That’s a massive number! “…and all the craftsmen and smiths:” : This goes beyond just warriors – it includes skilled artisans, blacksmiths, carpenters, and other tradespeople who were essential to the city's functioning. "...none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land." : This is the chilling conclusion. After all that was taken, only the most vulnerable, the poorest, and those with the simplest skills remained. What does this verse tell us about the situation? The Destruction of Jerusalem: The verse comes after the city was utterly destroyed by the Philistines. This was a catastrophic event, and the people were desperate. A Massive Loss: Ten thousand captives is an enormous loss – it represents a huge portion of the population and economic activity in Jerusalem. It suggests a complete dismantling of the city’s power and infrastructure. Warning about Consequences: The verse serves as a warning about the potential for devastating consequences resulting from conflict. It illustrates that even when a city is defeated, its people can be systematically removed, leaving behind only the most vulnerable. In essence, this passage paints a picture of utter devastation – a complete and brutal removal of the population of Jerusalem, with a stark focus on the plight of those left behind. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Kings? Discuss the symbolism behind this event in biblical context (e.g., its connection to the story of Israel's fall)?