Definition: And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 2:9. It’s a really important part of understanding how God chose to protect his people during a difficult time. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: Basically, this verse says God declared that Israel was under His protection and control. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And made him king…” - This means God appointed someone – a king – to rule over Israel. It wasn’t just any ruler; he was specifically chosen by Him. “…over Gilead…” - Gilead was a group of people living in the land, and it was a place where the Israelites were hiding from their enemies. “…and over the Ashurites…” - Ashurites were a group of people who lived in the area surrounding Jerusalem, and they were considered to be an enemy of Israel. “…and over Jezreel…” – Jezreel was a city located in the east, and it was a significant place for the Israelites. “…and over Ephraim…” - Ephraim was another city, also important to the Israelites. “…and over Benjamin…” - Benjamin was a tribe within Israel, and this is a crucial point. It means that God gave the king authority over all of Israel . So, what does it mean in practice? This verse speaks about a period of exile and hardship for Israel. God chose a king to rule over them, and this king was given immense power – he controlled entire regions, including the area surrounding Jerusalem. This wasn't just about ruling a small group; it meant the King held ultimate authority over the entire nation. Why is this significant? This event is often seen as a foreshadowing of the future events of the Old Testament, particularly the period when Israel was exiled in Babylon. It’s a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and works to protect us even when we are facing difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?