Definition: And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 8:9. It’s a bit complex, but it's about a very important story in the Old Testament! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very unusual and complicated birth – a birth involving two male children, and a lot of names! It shows that God created a family with incredibly complex lineage. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He begat…” : This is the key word. "Begat" means “to create” or “to bring into existence.” “…of Hodesh his wife…” : This means “his wife was created by him.” The word “Hodesh” is a Hebrew term that means “wife” or “partner.” So, it's not just any wife; it’s a special wife. “…and Zibia…” : This introduces another child. “Zibia” is the same Hebrew word as "Ziba." “…and Mesha, and Malcham” : These are the names of the children. “Mesha” and “Malcham” are also Hebrew words that translate to “son” and “son.” Putting it all together – What’s the story? This verse tells us that God created a family with three children: a wife (Hodesh), two sons, and two son-descendants. It’s a very elaborate naming system! The names suggest they were important figures in the history of Israel. Why is this significant? This story is often seen as an example of how God uses complex systems to build His people and establish His purpose. It shows that even seemingly unusual beginnings can be part of a larger, meaningful plan. It's about establishing a lineage with significance. Important Note: It’s important to note that this story is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It’s a fascinating example of how God's creative power could manifest in unexpected ways! --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss the context of this story within the larger narrative of Israel? For example, we could talk about: The purpose of naming and its significance. How this story relates to other biblical stories.