Definition: But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the kingâs word was abominable to Joab.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:6. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: “But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them:" This tells us that Levi and Benjamin were looking at a group of people – probably a royal court or a group of officials – and they were trying to figure out if someone was missing from the list. They were observing and noticing something. "...for the king’s word was abominable to Joab." This is the key part. “King’s word” means the command or rule of the king. "Abominable" means completely unacceptable, shocking, and morally wrong. Joab was a very important figure – likely a high-ranking official – and his word was considered a big deal. So, putting it all together: Levi and Benjamin were noticing that someone wasn’t included in the list of people connected to the king. And the king’s command or rule (his words) was so shocking and wrong that Joab, who held a significant position, felt deeply offended. What's the big idea? This verse suggests a situation where the king’s authority is challenged. It implies that the king might be making a mistake, perhaps being unfair, or acting in a way that’s causing conflict. It hints at a potential issue of disobedience or disrespect towards the king's rule. Context & Significance: This verse appears in the Book of Chronicles and is part of a larger story about the king’s decisions and the people who were affected by them. It can be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power, or it could be seen as highlighting the importance of respecting the king's authority and his rules. In short, this verse highlights a situation where a king's word was causing significant discomfort and possibly rebellion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Or perhaps explore what it might mean in terms of biblical themes (like justice, obedience, or disobedience)?