👉 And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from 1 Kings 13:34. It’s a really important part of understanding how God sees things in His kingdom – a kingdom that’s built on fairness and justice. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very serious situation where someone is being deliberately and systematically ruined or destroyed. It's saying that Jeroboam, a king, was being allowed to take advantage of the people in his kingdom – essentially, he was letting them suffer. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam…” - This means that Jeroboam , the king, was engaging in a behavior that was morally wrong and damaging to his people. It wasn't just a simple mistake; it was actively causing harm. “…even to cut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth.” – This is the shocking part. The verse uses strong words: “Cut it off” : This suggests that Jeroboam was deliberately dismantling or removing something important – perhaps a system of distribution, a way of managing resources, or even the very foundations of his rule. “Destroy [it] from off the face of the earth.” - This is a very strong statement. It means that Jeroboam was actively wiping out everything he had built and established. He was completely eliminating the entire system that supported him. What’s the message? The verse conveys a powerful warning about: Justice: God is watching over His people and will not tolerate injustice. Careful Governance: God demands that rulers be just and fair, and that they don't allow their power to be used to harm others. The Consequences of Wickedness: When people act unjustly, it brings about a devastating outcome – the destruction of everything they’ve built. In essence, this verse describes a moment when Jeroboam’s actions were so destructive that God considered it a sin for him to continue. --- Important Note: This passage is from an ancient text and its meaning was often interpreted in a way that emphasized the need for strict obedience and punishment. However, throughout history, Christians have understood this verse to mean that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, even over evil actions. Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?
