Definition: The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 5:4. It’s a really important and slightly complex story about a mistake and God’s judgment. Here's the explanation in plain language: The Basic Situation: Joel was a leader. He was a man named Joel, and he was leading a group of people to settle in the land of Israel. A mistake happened. They were trying to build a temple there, but they accidentally started a fire that destroyed a significant portion of the city. The Sons of Joel, Shemaiah, Gog, and Shimei were involved. These three men – Shemaiah, Gog, and Shimei – were part of the group that caused the initial disaster. What’s the Verse Saying? “The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son” means: "These are the three men who were responsible for the destruction of the city." It's a list of people directly linked to the mistake. The Significance – It’s about Accountability & God’s Justice: This verse is significant because it highlights two key things: 1. Accountability: God isn’t just punishing these men; he’s holding them accountable for their actions. He's saying, "You were responsible for this." 2. God’s Justice: It shows that God sees everything and will ultimately judge people fairly. He doesn’t tolerate wrongdoing. Important Note - It’s a Story of a Larger Pattern: The verse is part of a larger narrative in 1 Chronicles, which illustrates a pattern of sin and disobedience within the Israelite community. It's about how even seemingly small mistakes can have significant consequences. --- Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse? For example, I could: Discuss the context of the story in 1 Chronicles. Explain why it’s considered a pivotal moment in Israelite history.