Definition: And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the kingâs hand was restored him again, and became as [it was] before.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 13:6. It’s a really important passage about justice and forgiveness within the biblical story of Joseph. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph was imprisoned for 20 years. He was falsely accused of stealing grain, and he was punished severely – locked away and denied any food or comfort. God sent him to be a servant to seven men. This wasn’t about punishment; it was a way for God to test Joseph and show him compassion. Eventually, Joseph was released and became the king of Egypt. But he still remembered his past suffering and felt unfairly treated. What this verse says: When Joseph was released, he pleaded with God, "Please, Lord, restore my hand again." He wasn’t asking for a miracle – he just wanted to be free from the injustice he had suffered. “Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God…” : This is a very serious plea. It means Joseph was begging God directly and humbly. “…and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again.” : He wasn’t just asking for forgiveness; he was asking for his freedom and his ability to do what he was meant to do - to rule justly. “The man of God besought the LORD…” : This shows Joseph's deep faith and desire to connect with God. He wasn’t seeking a solution on his own, but rather a direct relationship with God. "...and the kingâs hand was restored him again, and became as [it was] before.” – This is the key part! God heard Joseph's prayer and actually restored his ability to rule. He wasn’t just giving him back what he lost; he gave him back his rightful position and authority. It was like he was restored to his original state, as if nothing had happened. In a nutshell: This verse highlights God's mercy and justice. He didn’t just let Joseph be punished; he actively listened to his prayer and intervened to restore him to his rightful place. It emphasizes that God cares deeply about those who are wronged and will always work for justice. What does it teach us? God hears our prayers: It shows that God is truly listening to those who need help and pray for them. Forgiveness is possible: Even after great suffering, we can ask for forgiveness and restoration. Faith matters: Joseph’s faith in God was essential to his eventual freedom and success. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of Joseph's imprisonment? What "it was" refers to? (It’s a bit symbolic, but we can explore that)