👉 And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 18:15. It's a really important and somewhat surprising passage about leadership and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The king is asking his advisor to never speak anything other than the truth, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable. He wants absolute honesty from this person. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the king said…” : This sets up a situation where the king is in a position of great authority and power. “…to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?” This is the key part. “Adjure” means to command or urge someone firmly. “Thou” is a formal way of addressing someone – it’s like "you." "In the name of the LORD" refers to God. So, what does it really mean? The king isn't asking for a specific number of times. He's asking for unwavering honesty and absolute truthfulness. He wants his advisor to resist any attempt to deceive him or to say anything that isn’t genuine. It’s about prioritizing integrity above all else. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the responsibility of leadership. It highlights a crucial quality: trustworthiness. A leader who consistently gives truthful and honest advice earns the respect (and trust) of those they lead. It's about being accountable for your actions and words. In essence, it’s a command to be honest and upright in all dealings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Chronicles? Discuss the significance of this passage within the context of the Old Testament? Explore why honesty is so important in leadership?