Definition: Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: [and] when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very old and somewhat unsettling verse from 1 Kings 14:12. It's a bit strange at first, but it speaks about a prophecy of future suffering. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that a child born within the kingdom of Israel will die before reaching adulthood. It’s a very specific and ominous prediction. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house…” – This part suggests a call to action. It’s not just a random prophecy; it’s a warning. “[and] when thy feet enter into the city…” – This is where it gets really dramatic. The verse continues with a specific instruction: “When your feet enter into the city.” This implies that the child will be born within the borders of Israel. "...the child shall die." - This is the most crucial part. It’s a direct statement about a death – a premature death – for this child. The Context & Why it's Significant: This verse appears in the Book of Kings, and it's connected to the rule of King David. It's often interpreted as a warning about the potential for unrest within the kingdom of Israel, particularly regarding the succession to the throne. It’s meant to highlight the importance of carefully choosing the king who will lead the nation and prevent future strife or conflict. Important Note: The verse is deeply symbolic and wasn’t meant to be taken literally as a guarantee of death for every child born in Israel. It was a prophetic message intended to warn against certain behaviors and potential problems that could threaten the stability of the kingdom. In short, it's a scary prophecy about a child’s untimely death within the boundaries of Israel, carrying a significant warning about potential future challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Explore why this verse is so often debated and interpreted in different ways?