Definition: And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it] in water, and spread [it] on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the Book of 2 Kings! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very unusual event that happened after King Ahab’s death. Here’s the gist: Ahab’s Death: King Ahab was a powerful and influential leader in Israel. He was known for being a bit… eccentric. After his death, his son Jehu seized power. The Ritual: Jehu ordered a very strange ceremony. He dipped a thick cloth (likely made of wool or linen) into water and spread it on King Ahab’s face. Ahab's Death: This action was meant to symbolize that Ahab had died, and his reign was over. It was a way for Jehu to appear as the new leader and show his power. What it Means – A Bit More Detailed: “And it came to pass…” : This is just an introductory phrase, telling us this story happened. “…that he took a thick cloth…” : This refers to a large piece of fabric. "...and dipped [it] in water..." : The cloth was soaked with water. "...and spread [it] on his face...” : He applied the wet cloth to his face, likely as a symbolic gesture of mourning and acknowledging his death. "...so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead." : This is the crucial part. Jehu, after Ahab's death, declared that Hazael , who was a young and inexperienced leader at the time, should be king. The cloth on his face symbolized his position as the new ruler. Why it’s Important (and a bit debated): This story is a bit of a puzzle in the Bible. It’s not a straightforward explanation of what happened. Some scholars believe it's an example of "speaking in allegory." That means the text isn't meant to be taken literally, but rather to convey a deeper truth about the events leading up to Jehu’s rebellion. It suggests that Jehu was trying to establish his authority through symbolic actions and rituals—a way of subtly showing he had the power to rule. In short, it's a dramatic story about a king’s ritual to show his dominance after his predecessor's death. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this story (like its symbolism)?