Definition: And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 2:19. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people in a city are happy – they’re enjoying things – but there’s a problem with the water supply and the land isn’t fertile. It’s like a good mood, but with a noticeable lack of something vital for growth. Let's unpack it: “The men of the city said unto Elisha…” - This tells us who is speaking – it’s Elisha, a prophet and leader in the story. “…the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth:” - "My Lord sees" means Elisha believes the situation is good. He thinks it's a good place to be. “but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren.” – This is the key part! It means: The water is empty: There’s no water available for drinking or irrigation. The land is dry and lifeless: The soil isn't healthy enough to grow crops. What does this all mean? This verse points to a significant challenge – a lack of resources that could hinder the city's prosperity, growth, and possibly even its survival. It suggests a potential crisis or hardship. Why is it important? This story is often interpreted as foreshadowing a period of difficulty for Elisha’s people. It sets the stage for events that will lead to challenges and potentially conflict – it's like a warning sign. In short, it describes a situation where things look good on the surface but have serious underlying problems with water and land. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some context about the story of 2 Kings 2?