Definition: And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 2:2 together. It’s a really important passage about a man named Elijah and his encounter with Elisha. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it’s about a warning and a promise. “And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel.” - This is Elijah telling Elisha that he's in a very important situation. He’s being sent to a place called Bethel – it was a small town, likely near Jerusalem. Elijah is saying, “I’m sending you here for a reason, and I need you to stay put.” “And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” - This is where it gets really significant. Elisha, who was already traveling with Elijah, hears this warning. He then responds by saying, “The LORD lives, and my soul lives.” This means Elisha believes in God’s presence and that he has a safe place to be. So, what's the big takeaway? Elijah is telling Elisha to stay put. He’s warning him about a potential danger – something bad might happen. But Elisha doesn't leave. He remains steadfast and trusts in God’s protection. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for a major event later in the book of Kings. It shows that Elijah’s message is about trusting in God, even when things seem scary. Elisha's unwavering faith is crucial – it's his belief that allows him to endure the situation. In short: Elijah is sending someone to a place for safety, and Elisha agrees to stay there, trusting in God’s protection. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to relate this passage to a specific story or theme?

Definition: And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought [it] to him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the book of 2 Kings! It’s a really important piece of history that tells us about a serious situation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Josiah was facing a problem. He was a king who had lost trust in his people and was trying to try again. He needed something specific. He asked for a new container (a "cruse") filled with salt. Salt was a very important spice, used for preservation and often as a symbol of sacrifice. The people brought it to him. The people who were serving him – the priests and officials – went to his palace and delivered this container filled with salt. What’s the Bigger Picture? This verse is about trust and accountability . It's a sign that Josiah was taking responsibility for his people again, and he wasn’t going to just rely on the old ways or empty promises. He needed to be sure he was being honest and trustworthy with the people. Symbolic Meaning (a little deeper): Salt as a Reminder: Salt symbolizes purification and sacrifice. Josiah's request for salt highlights that he needed to remind himself and his people of the importance of righteousness and faithfulness. The Importance of Carefulness: It shows that even small things – like a container – could be significant when it came to maintaining trust and ensuring something was right. In short, this verse is about Josiah’s commitment to being honest with his people and taking responsibility for their well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this event? Talk about what this verse might mean in a broader sense (like faith, responsibility, or trustworthiness)?

Definition: And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 2:21. It's a really powerful message about healing and restoration. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is actively working to heal something – a spring of water – and he's using salt to make it better. He’s saying that this healing will have lasting results, preventing further death and barrenness. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “And he went forth unto the spring of the waters…” : This means God is moving towards a place with water – likely a river or stream. It’s a focused effort. “…and cast the salt in there…” : This is key! He's pouring salt into the water. Salt was often used in ancient times as a preservative and purifying agent. It's like an extra layer of protection. “And said, Thus saith the LORD…” : This is God speaking directly to us – acknowledging his role in this healing. It’s a declaration of authority. “I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].” : This is the core message: "By doing this, I will forever prevent further death and make this land fertile again." The phrase “there shall not be from thence” means that this healing will continue indefinitely. "Barren [land]" refers to a desolate, lifeless place. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a strong statement of God’s power and purpose. It suggests: God's Active Healing: He isn’t just passively doing something; he’s actively working to restore things. Eternal Restoration: The healing isn’t temporary. It’s meant to last forever, creating a better future for the land. Divine Protection: The salt acts as a shield or preventative measure against further harm. In short, this verse is about God’s unwavering commitment to heal and restore, ensuring a flourishing land. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Provide context for this verse within the larger story of 2 Kings?

Definition: So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 2:22: “So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.” Here's a simple explanation in plain language: Basically, it means that after a period of difficulty or trouble – likely involving a large amount of water – the water has now returned to its normal state and is healing. Let’s unpack it further: “So the waters were healed…” : This part highlights a significant change. The water was previously damaged, maybe due to a drought, flood, or some other problem. Now, it's in a state of restoration. “…unto this day” : This is crucial. “Unto this day” means that the healing process has continued and is still ongoing. It’s not just a temporary fix; the water is recovering its original quality. “According to the saying of Elisha which he spake.” : Elisha was a prophet who lived many years before this event. This phrase tells us that Elisha, a wise man, spoke about this healing process and shared it with us. It’s like a record or a message passed down through time. In short, the verse is an Old Testament prophecy that says a significant problem involving water has been resolved, and it's still ongoing. What does this mean in a broader context? This story often speaks to themes of: Restoration: Healing and recovery are important. Divine Providence: God’s actions can bring about restoration. Trust & Hope: The verse encourages us to trust that even after difficult times, things can be healed and restored. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: What might have caused the initial problem with the water? Why is Elisha’s words significant?

Definition: And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 2:23. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about a powerful king and his encounter with a group of children. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Jehoram is traveling to the city of Bethel (located on the Jordan River). He’s heading up a path, but he encounters a small group of children who are deliberately trying to provoke him. They keep calling him “bald head” – meaning they’re mocking his appearance. What it's about: Jehoram is feeling vulnerable: The verse shows that Jehoram was feeling insecure and perhaps a little intimidated by the situation. He was aware of his own appearance, and this children’s mockery felt like a challenge to his self-image. The Children’s Intentions are Crucial: What matters most isn't just what they said, but why . They weren't trying to be mean; they were acting out of their own childishness and perhaps a sense of fun or rebellion. A Test of Faith & Character: This is a significant moment because it’s a test of Jehoram’s faith and his character. He's facing a challenge that pushes him to show who he truly is - whether it's pride, fear, or courage. The Meaning – It’s about More Than Just Words: Pride vs. Humility: The verse highlights the difference between being arrogant (showing off) and humble. Jehoram's reaction suggests a struggle with pride, but his response shows a willingness to be humbled before God. The Power of Innocence: The children represent innocence and childlike joy – something that can be powerful and even challenging for those in authority. Overall Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that true strength comes not from outward appearance but from inner character. It’s about standing firm in the face of adversity, resisting temptation to become proud, and remembering to treat others with respect, regardless of their status. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific biblical theme (like humility or faith)? Give some context about the time period where it was written?

Definition: And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the Book of Kings – it's a really impactful story! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a horrific event that happened when King Hezekiah of Judah (a powerful kingdom in ancient Israel) was watching his soldiers attack a group of people. These people were fleeing from a devastating fire – a massive, intense fire that had destroyed their village. Here’s the breakdown: “And he turned back…” : Hezekiah realized the destruction was too great to continue the battle. He made a difficult decision to stop fighting. “…and looked on them…” : He observed these fleeing people, noticing they were being attacked by wild animals – wolves and bears! “…and cursed them in the name of the LORD.” : Hezekiah declared a terrible judgment against these creatures. It was a powerful act of divine anger. “And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.” : This is the really shocking part. Hezekiah instructed his soldiers to capture these wild animals – specifically, two female bears and 40 and 2 children! He called them “tars” – which means they were strong and used for hunting and carrying things. What does this all tell us? This is a powerful example of God’s judgment and power. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the consequences of wickedness, violence, and failing to obey God's commands. It highlights: Divine Justice: God is actively punishing those who disrespect him and cause harm. God's Sovereignty: He holds the power to intervene and deliver justice. The Consequences of Evil: The story shows that evil actions have repercussions, and they often lead to terrible outcomes. Important Note: This story is a dramatic example from biblical history. It doesn’t necessarily mean that bears and wolves are often seen in the Bible – it's more about illustrating God’s power as a response to something truly awful. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible?

Definition: And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together! “2 Kings 2:25” is a passage from the Book of Judges in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it tells us about a significant journey for King Solomon. Here’s a breakdown: “And he went from thence to mount Carmel…” – “Thence” means “then” or “from.” So, this means he traveled away from somewhere. Mount Carmel is a place in Israel, known for its beautiful wildflowers and ancient history. He moved to this location. “…and from thence he returned to Samaria.” – “From thence” again means “then” or “from.” This describes his return journey. He traveled back to Samaria. What’s the big picture? This verse is a pivotal part of the story of King Solomon and his ambitious building project in Jerusalem. It shows he was traveling away from the palace and towards a different location, which is why he returned to Samaria. It's often seen as a sign that he was facing challenges or perhaps needing to consult with someone closer to home. In short, it’s a story of travel, return, and potentially a moment of reflection for King Solomon. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period this passage comes from?