Definition: Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, [that pertained] to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 11:31. It’s a really important and sobering verse about judgment and sin. Here's a simple explanation: The Core of the Verse: “Ithi the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite.” What it Means – In Plain Language: Ithi: This is a name. It’s a biblical title. Son of Ribai of Gibeah: This tells us who this person was. Ribai was a man who lived in Gibeah, which was a Jewish neighborhood known for being a place of intense scrutiny and judgment – it was a sort of “watchful” area where people were closely monitored for wrongdoing. It’s important to understand that this location was historically associated with sin and punishment. That pertained to…: This means "this was about" or "this involved." It's pointing back to something specific. What it’s Saying – The Judgment: The verse is telling us that Ithi, a man of significant importance in the Jewish community, was found guilty of a serious sin. Specifically, he was found to be involved in a practice that caused harm and offense to the children of Benjamin. Benjamin: This was a prominent family within the Jewish people, known for their importance in religious traditions and leadership. The Children of Benjamin: This refers to a group of people – likely a line of elders or leaders – who were considered to be particularly sacred and important. Their actions were seen as significant and potentially problematic. Why is this important? This verse highlights a problem with how the Jewish community treated its own members. It suggests that there was a tendency for judgment and favoritism, where someone's status or position could lead to unfair treatment of others. It warns against prioritizing personal relationships over justice and righteousness. Important Context (Briefly): The Old Testament often dealt with these kinds of situations, and this verse is part of a larger narrative about the challenges of maintaining holiness and righteousness within Israel’s society. It's a reminder that even those in positions of power can fall short of God’s standards. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general understanding of biblical interpretation. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply?