Definition: And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from 1 Kings 1:40. It's a really dramatic description of a huge moment of celebration! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God had sent a mighty army to defeat the Philistines (a group of people who lived near the coast). They were victorious, and the Israelites, led by King David, gathered together and celebrated with a massive outpouring of joy. What happened next? As they cheered, the earth literally shook and cracked open! It was like a giant, joyful earthquake. The sound of their rejoicing was so loud that it caused the ground to split apart. So, what does this verse tell us about the celebration? It’s a huge victory: The verse emphasizes that they were celebrating a significant victory – defeating the Philistines. Joyful and unrestrained: The word "pipe" suggests a loud, enthusiastic sound – a joyous, exuberant shout. It wasn't just polite clapping; it was a full-blown celebration. A powerful display of faith: The earth splitting open is symbolic. It represents the strength and power of God’s victory over evil. The shaking ground symbolizes that this joy wasn't just fleeting – it was a real, tangible expression of divine power. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a moment so intense and joyful that it shook the earth itself! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this specific passage within the context of the Old Testament? Give you some background on the story of the battle with the Philistines?