👉 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 14:6. It’s a really complex and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here's what it means, explained simply: This verse is about justice and accountability . It speaks to a king named “the murderer” who did something very unusual – he killed his own children. Let's unpack that: “The children of the murderers he slew not…” - This directly states that the king didn’t kill his own children. It’s crucial to understand this is a specific, unusual event. “…according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses…” – This tells us this isn't just a random act; it’s guided by a rule established in ancient Jewish law. It’s saying that God has given instructions about how to treat people fairly, and this action aligns with those instructions. “…wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers;” – This is the core of the verse. The law says that fathers are not punished for their children’s sins , and children aren't punished for their fathers' sins . It's a principle of accountability. “…but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” – This is the really important part. The verse says that every individual person will face punishment for their own transgression . It’s not about forgiveness or redemption; it’s about facing consequences for what you do. So, putting it all together: The king was guilty of a serious crime – killing his children. The law, as interpreted by God, says that because he committed this wrong, every person who commits a similar sin will face punishment . It's a warning about the consequences of wrongdoing and emphasizes accountability for every action. Important Context & Interpretation: This verse is often debated and interpreted in different ways. Some scholars believe it’s a symbolic warning against tyranny and the dangers of unchecked power. Others see it as a condemnation of the king’s actions, highlighting the importance of upholding justice and responsibility. In essence, this verse highlights the idea that everyone must answer for their own choices. It's a stark reminder that our actions have consequences, and we are all responsible for what we do. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Connect it to broader themes like morality or justice?
