[1] 1:8 This man . coat Or, "This man was a hairy man."

[2] 1:9 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[3] 2:3 group of prophets Literally, "sons of the prophets." These were prophets and people studying to become prophets. Also in verses 5, 7, 15, 17.

[4] 2:11 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[5] 2:12 Chariot . soldiers This probably means "God and his heavenly army (angels)."

[6] 3:2 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[7] 3:11 Elisha was Elijah's servant Literally, "Elisha poured water over Elijah's hands."

[8] 3:15 power Literally, "hand."

[9] 3:21 armor The special clothes soldiers wore to protect themselves in war.

[10] 3:25 threw their stones These were probably the stones soldiers threw with slings in war.

[11] 4:1 group of prophets Literally, "sons of the prophets." These were prophets and those studying to become prophets. Also in verses 38, 39, 44.

[12] 4:7 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[13] 4:10 room on the roof In ancient Israel, houses had flat roofs that were used as an extra room.

[14] 4:16 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[15] 4:21 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[16] 4:23 New Moon The first day of the month for Israelites or Jews, which they celebrated as a special day of rest and worship. The people met together and shared in the fellowship offerings like those described in Lev. 7:16-21.

[17] 4:23 Sabbath Saturday, the seventh day of the week and a special day for Israelites or Jews. By God's command it was set aside as a time for the people to rest and honor God.

[18] 4:23 Goodbye Or, "Everything is all right." Literally, "Peace."

[19] 4:26 Everything is all right Or, "Hello." Literally, "Peace."

[20] 4:38 famine A time when there is not enough rain for crops to grow, causing people and animals to die without enough food or water.

[21] 4:40 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[22] 4:42 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[23] 5:1 king Literally, "master."

[24] 5:1 leprosy A very bad skin disease. The word in the text has a broad sense, which may include many different types of skin disease.

[25] 5:5 750 pounds Literally, "10 talents" (345 kg).

[26] 5:8 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[27] 5:9 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[28] 5:13 Father Slaves often called their masters "father," and the masters often called their slaves "children."

[29] 5:17 Let me have . my mules Naaman probably thought the ground in Israel was holy, so he wanted to take some with him to help him worship the Lord in his own country.

[30] 5:17 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[31] 5:22 group of prophets Literally, "sons of the prophets." These were prophets and people studying to become prophets. Also in 6:1, 4.

[32] 5:22 75 pounds Literally, "1 talent" (34.5 kg).

[33] 5:23 150 pounds Literally, "2 talents" (69 kg).

[34] 6:6 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[35] 6:9 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[36] 6:10 quite a few men Literally, "not one or two."

[37] 6:14 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[38] 6:19 Samaria This was the capital city of Israel-the enemy of Aram.

[39] 6:25 one pint Literally, "1/4 cab" (about 3 l).

[40] 6:27 threshing Putting newly harvested wheat or other grain on a hard floor and walking on it or beating it with special tools to separate the hulls from the grain.

[41] 6:27 winepress A place dug in rock used to mash grapes and collect the juice for making wine.

[42] 6:32 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[43] 6:33 messenger Or possibly, "king."

[44] 7:1 basket Literally, "seah." Also in verses 16, 18.

[45] 7:1 shekel 2/5 of an ounce (11.5g). Also in verses 16, 18.

[46] 7:2 that was close to the king Literally, "on whose arm the king leaned."

[47] 7:2 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[48] 7:3 leprosy A very bad skin disease. The word in the text has a broad sense, which may include many different types of skin disease.

[49] 7:5 leper A person who has leprosy. See "leprosy."

[50] 7:6 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[51] 7:8 leper A person who has leprosy. See "leprosy."

[52] 7:10 leper A person who has leprosy. See "leprosy."

[53] 7:13 The horses . city Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[54] 7:14 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[55] 7:17 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[56] 8:1 famine A time when there is not enough rain for crops to grow, causing people and animals to die without enough food or water.

[57] 8:2 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[58] 8:7 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[59] 8:9 follower Literally, "son."

[60] 8:11 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[61] 8:13 I . powerful man Literally, "Your servant is only a dog!"

[62] 8:14 king Literally, "master."

[63] 8:21 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[64] 8:24 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[65] 8:24 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[66] 9:1 group of prophets Literally, "sons of the prophets." These were prophets and people studying to become prophets.

[67] 9:3 anoint To pour a special oil on people or things to show that they have been chosen by God and set apart for a special work or purpose.

[68] 9:16 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[69] 9:19 Peace A way of saying "hello."

[70] 9:22 witchcraft Using magic or the power of Satan.

[71] 9:28 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[72] 9:28 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[73] 9:29 Joram's Literally, "Joram son of Ahab."

[74] 9:31 Zimri Zimri killed Elah and the family of Baasha in Israel many years before. Read 1 Kings 16:8-12.

[75] 9:32 eunuch A public official or a servant in charge of the women in a ruler's household. Originally, a man who had been castrated so that he could not have sex.

[76] 10:2-3 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[77] 10:13 queen mother The mother of the king.

[78] 10:15 Are you a faithful friend . you Literally, "Is your heart true to me? My heart is true to your heart."

[79] 10:15 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[80] 10:18 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[81] 10:25 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[82] 10:25 inner room Literally, "the city of the temple of Baal."

[83] 10:26 memorial stone A stone that was set up to help people remember something special. In ancient Israel, people often set up stones at places where they worshiped false gods.

[84] 10:35 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[85] 11:3 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[86] 11:4 Carites Or, "Kerethites," special soldiers hired to serve the king.

[87] 11:4 guards Literally, "runners" or "messengers."

[88] 11:5 Sabbath Saturday, the seventh day of the week and a special day for Israelites or Jews. By God's command it was set aside as a time for the people to rest and honor God.

[89] 11:11 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[90] 11:12 a copy of the agreement Literally, "testimony." This could be a copy of the Law of Moses (see Deut. 17:18) or a special agreement between God and the king (see verse 17 and 1 Sam. 10:25).

[91] 11:12 anoint To pour a special oil on people or things to show that they have been chosen by God and set apart for a special work or purpose.

[92] 11:18 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[93] 12:3 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[94] 12:4-5 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[95] 12:9 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[96] 12:9 doorway Literally, "threshold."

[97] 12:13-14 snuffers These are like small cups used to put out lamps.

[98] 12:16 sin offering Or "purification offering," a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[99] 12:18 Joash Or, "Jehoash," the long form of the name "Joash."

[100] 12:18 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[101] 12:18 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[102] 12:20 Millo This was probably a well-protected part of the city. It might have been in the city itself or somewhere near the city.

[103] 12:21 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[104] 12:21 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[105] 13:6 Asherah pole A wooden pole (originally, perhaps, a tree trunk) that was set up to honor the goddess Asherah.

[106] 13:7 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[107] 13:7 chaff The seed coverings and stems separated from the seeds of plants like wheat or barley. Farmers saved the seeds but let the wind blow the useless chaff away.

[108] 13:7 threshing Putting newly harvested wheat or other grain on a hard floor and walking on it or beating it with special tools to separate the hulls from the grain.

[109] 13:9 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[110] 13:13 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[111] 13:14 Is it time . horses This means "Is it time for God to come and take you?" See 1 Kings 2:12.

[112] 13:19 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[113] 14:3 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[114] 14:4 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[115] 14:4 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[116] 14:6 Parents must . did See Deut. 24:16.

[117] 14:11 King Jehoash . Judah Literally, "He and King Amaziah of Judah looked at each other in the face at Beth Shemesh in Judah."

[118] 14:13 about 600 feet Literally, "400 cubits" (177.6 m).

[119] 14:16 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[120] 14:20 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[121] 14:20 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[122] 14:22 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[123] 14:25 Arabah Sea The Dead Sea.

[124] 14:29 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[125] 15:4 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[126] 15:4 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[127] 15:5 leprosy A very bad skin disease. The word in the text has a broad sense, which may include many different types of skin disease.

[128] 15:7 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[129] 15:7 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[130] 15:9 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[131] 15:19 75,000 pounds Literally, "1000 talents" (34,500 kg).

[132] 15:20 20 ounces Literally, "50 shekels" (575g).

[133] 15:22 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[134] 15:35 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[135] 15:35 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[136] 15:35 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[137] 15:38 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[138] 15:38 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[139] 16:2 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[140] 16:3 burned his son as a sacrifice Literally, "made his son pass through the fire."

[141] 16:4 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[142] 16:4 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[143] 16:8 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[144] 16:10 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[145] 16:13 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[146] 16:13 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[147] 16:18 Sabbath Saturday, the seventh day of the week and a special day for Israelites or Jews. By God's command it was set aside as a time for the people to rest and honor God.

[148] 16:20 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[149] 17:3 tribute Money paid to a foreign king or nation for protection.

[150] 17:9 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[151] 17:10 memorial stone A stone that was set up to help people remember something special. In ancient Israel, people often set up stones at places where they worshiped false gods.

[152] 17:10 Asherah pole A wooden pole (originally, perhaps, a tree trunk) that was set up to honor the goddess Asherah.

[153] 17:11 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[154] 17:11 places for worship Or, "high places," places for worshiping God or false gods. These places were often on the hills and mountains.

[155] 17:12 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[156] 17:13 seer A kind of prophet (see "prophet") who received messages from God in visions.

[157] 17:13 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[158] 17:16 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[159] 17:17 witchcraft Using magic or the power of Satan.

[160] 17:29 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[161] 17:41 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[162] 18:2 Abi Or, "Abijah."

[163] 18:3 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[164] 18:4 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[165] 18:4 memorial stone A stone that was set up to help people remember something special. In ancient Israel, people often set up stones at places where they worshiped false gods.

[166] 18:4 Asherah pole A wooden pole (originally, perhaps, a tree trunk) that was set up to honor the goddess Asherah.

[167] 18:4 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[168] 18:4 Nehushtan This Hebrew name is like the words meaning "bronze" and "snake."

[169] 18:14 11 tons Literally, "300 talents" (10,350 kg).

[170] 18:14 1 ton Literally, "30 talents" (1035 kg).

[171] 18:15 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[172] 18:17 aqueduct A ditch or pipe that carries water from one place to another.

[173] 18:17 Upper Pool The Pool of Siloam at the southern tip of the City of David (Jerusalem), just above the older pool now called Birket al Hamrah.

[174] 18:22 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[175] 18:22 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[176] 18:24 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[177] 18:27 eat . like you The Assyrian army planned to surround Jerusalem and not let people bring any food or water into the city. They thought the people would become hungry enough to eat their own waste.

[178] 18:28 Hebrew Literally, "Judean," the language of Judah and Israel.

[179] 18:32 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[180] 19:1 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[181] 19:9 Tirhakah This is probably Taharqa, the Pharaoh of Egypt about 690-664 b.c.

[182] 19:9 Ethiopia Or "Cush," a country in Africa by the Red Sea.

[183] 19:12 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[184] 19:14 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[185] 19:15 Cherub angels Winged beings like angels that serve God, usually as guards around his throne or other holy places. Two statues of these beings were on the cover of the Box of the Agreement that represented God's presence. See Ex. 25:10-22.

[186] 19:21 Virgin Daughter Zion Another name for Jerusalem.

[187] 19:23 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[188] 19:29 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[189] 19:31 strong love The Hebrew word can mean strong feelings such as zeal, jealousy, or love.

[190] 19:37 Ararat The ancient country of Urartu, an area in eastern Turkey.

[191] 20:5 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[192] 20:5 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[193] 20:9 the shadow . steps This may mean the steps of a special building that Hezekiah used like a clock. When the sun shone on the steps, the shadows showed what time of the day it was.

[194] 20:17 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[195] 20:18 officers Or, "eunuchs." See the Word List.

[196] 20:20 aqueduct A ditch or pipe that carries water from one place to another.

[197] 21:3 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[198] 21:3 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[199] 21:3 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[200] 21:3 Asherah pole A wooden pole (originally, perhaps, a tree trunk) that was set up to honor the goddess Asherah.

[201] 21:6 sacrificed . on the altar Literally, "made his son pass through the fire."

[202] 21:6 medium A person who tries to talk with the spirits of people who have died.

[203] 21:6 wizard A person who uses the power of Satan or evil spirits to do magic.

[204] 21:7 Asherah An important Canaanite goddess, the wife of the Canaanite god El and possibly Baal. People thought she could help them have children.

[205] 21:7 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[206] 21:8 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[207] 21:11 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[208] 21:12 will be shocked Literally, "both his ears will tingle."

[209] 21:13 measuring line of Samaria Workers used a string with a weight to mark a straight line at the end of a stone wall. The pieces of stone that were outside the line were chipped off and thrown away. This shows that God was "throwing away" Samaria and Ahab's family of kings.

[210] 21:13 plumb line A string with a weight on one end used to prove that something was straight up and down (vertical).

[211] 21:21 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[212] 21:22 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[213] 22:2 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[214] 22:3 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[215] 22:8 Book of the Law This is probably the book of Deuteronomy. Also in 23:2.

[216] 22:8 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[217] 22:13 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[218] 22:14 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[219] 22:17 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[220] 22:17 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[221] 22:20 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[222] 23:2 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[223] 23:4 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[224] 23:4 Asherah An important Canaanite goddess, the wife of the Canaanite god El and possibly Baal. People thought she could help them have children.

[225] 23:5 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[226] 23:5 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[227] 23:6 Asherah pole A wooden pole (originally, perhaps, a tree trunk) that was set up to honor the goddess Asherah.

[228] 23:6 scattered . common people This was a strong way of showing that the Asherah pole could never be used again.

[229] 23:8-9 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[230] 23:8-9 unleavened Referring to bread that is made without yeast or anything else to make it rise.

[231] 23:10 people . Molech Literally, "people made their son or daughter pass through fire to Molech."

[232] 23:11 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[233] 23:11 horses . sun god The people thought the sun was a god who drove his chariot (the sun) across the sky each day.

[234] 23:14 memorial stone A stone that was set up to help people remember something special. In ancient Israel, people often set up stones at places where they worshiped false gods.

[235] 23:14 scattered . place This was the way he defiled (ruined) those places so that they could not be used for places of worship.

[236] 23:15 Jeroboam . sin See 1 Kings 12:26-30.

[237] 23:16 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[238] 23:16 announced See 1 Kings 13:1-3.

[239] 23:16 The man of God . the grave of the man of God This is from the ancient Greek version. It is not in the traditional Hebrew text.

[240] 23:21 Passover A very important holy day for the people of Israel and their descendants. They ate a special meal on this day every year to remember that God freed them from slavery in Egypt in the time of Moses. The name may come from the word in Ex. 12:13, 23, 27 that means "to pass over" or "to protect."

[241] 23:24 medium A person who tries to talk with the spirits of people who have died.

[242] 23:24 wizard A person who uses the power of Satan or evil spirits to do magic.

[243] 23:24 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[244] 23:24 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[245] 23:25 with all his heart . strength See Deut. 6:4, 5.

[246] 23:30 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[247] 23:30 anoint To pour a special oil on people or things to show that they have been chosen by God and set apart for a special work or purpose.

[248] 23:32 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[249] 23:33 7500 pounds Literally, "100 talents" (3450 kg).

[250] 23:33 75 pounds Literally, "1 talent" (34.5 kg).

[251] 24:6 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[252] 24:13 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[253] 25:9 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[254] 25:15 firepan A small shovel used for removing ashes from an altar.

[255] 25:16-17 tank A very large basin for water.

[256] 25:16-17 31 feet Literally, "18 cubits" (9.33 m).

[257] 25:16-17 capital A decorated cap made of stone or wood and placed on top of each of the columns that support the roof of a building.

[258] 25:16-17 5 feet Literally, "3 cubits" (1.55 m).

[259] 25:19 king's advisors Literally, "men who saw the king's face."

© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.