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?