Definition: And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there [is] Ahijah the prophet, which told me that [I should be] king over this people.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:2. It’s a really important passage about how God wants to establish a kingdom and choose a leader. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Jeroboam (a powerful king) to be discreet – to hide his identity from the people so that he doesn't become known as the wife of another king, specifically Ahijah. He wants to ensure a peaceful and stable succession. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Jeroboam said…” : This tells us we're reading a passage about a king who is facing a challenge – he needs to make a choice. “…to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself…” : This means Jeroboam is asking his wife, Arise, to be hidden. “Disguise thyself” suggests she should try to avoid drawing attention to herself. “…that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam;” : This is the key . She’s being told to not become the wife of another king. It's about protecting the throne. “and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there [is] Ahijah the prophet, which told me that [I should be] king over this people.” : This is where it gets really significant. Ahijah, a prophet, tells Jeroboam that he is destined to become king. The word "behold" means “look” – Ahijah is telling him directly about his own future role. So, what’s the big takeaway? God wants to ensure a clear and peaceful transition of power. He's setting up a situation where a young boy named Ahijah will be chosen as king, and God promises that he will be the king. It’s about protecting the future of the kingdom by ensuring the right person is in charge. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is part of a larger story within the Old Testament. It's a foundation for understanding how God will establish his kingdom and choose his heir. It highlights God’s plan for the future and his desire to see his people prosper under a wise and just ruler. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the significance of Ahijah?

Definition: And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:20. It’s a bit complex at first, but we can understand it simply. Here's the basic meaning: This verse tells us about King Solomon’s son, Jeroboam, and his reign. It says that he ruled for two and twenty years, and while he was in power, he rested with his father, David. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And the days which Jeroboam reigned” : This refers to the time when Jeroboam was king. “were” : This means "were" in the past tense. It tells us this is a historical event that happened. “two and twenty years” : This is a specific amount of time – two full years and twenty days. “and he slept with his fathers” : This is a key part. Jeroboam was sleeping with his father, David. He wasn’t actively ruling; he was simply resting and not fully engaged in the duties of kingship. “and Nadab his son reigned in his stead” : This tells us that after Jeroboam rested, his son, Nadab, took over as king. So, essentially, this verse describes a period where Jeroboam was temporarily sidelined while his father, David, continued to rule. What’s the significance? This is an interesting part of biblical history because it shows a bit of a pattern in how kingship was passed down. It highlights that even when a king rests or takes time off, the leadership continues through their lineage. It also suggests a balance between the king and his father – a period of rest followed by continued rule. Important Note: This verse isn’t about what Jeroboam did during those two years, just that he rested with his father. It's a narrative detail that adds context to the story of the kingship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme in these verses (like succession or leadership)?

Definition: And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam [was] forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:21 together. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it in a few key parts: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about the reign of King Rehoboam, who was the son of King Solomon, and his time as king in Judah (a region within Israel). He reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And Rehoboam the son of Solomon” : This establishes who we're talking about – one of the ten sons of King David, and the son of King Solomon. He was a ruler known for his wisdom (though perhaps not always wise!). “reigned in Judah” : He ruled within the region of Judah, which is now part of modern-day Israel. “Rehoboam [was] forty and one years old when he began to reign” : This tells us he started his reign at age 40 and had only one year under his rule. “and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel…” : This is a really important part. The Lord chose Jerusalem to be the capital city for Israel. This shows that God was prioritizing this location and giving it special significance. “to put his name there.” : He made Jerusalem the center of his kingdom, and he wanted to make God’s name prominent in it. “And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.” : This tells us that Rehoboam had a mother named Naamah. She was from a foreign land (Ammon) and was known for her skill as a weaver. So, what's the big takeaway? This passage describes a king who was initially successful but then made a mistake by prioritizing his own desires over God’s will. He chose to rule in a specific region of Israel, making it the center of his power and wealth. It highlights a potential warning about ambition and how it can lead to disobedience. In essence, this verse is a story about a king who was good at ruling but also made a choice that wasn't right according to God’s plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger theme in the Bible (like obedience or divine providence)?

Definition: And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 14:22. It’s a serious warning about how people can upset God when they are acting badly. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the Israelites (the people of Judah) were really messing up and making God angry because they were behaving in a way that was disrespectful and rebellious. It’s like a big, uncomfortable situation where they weren’t following God's rules. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “1 Kings 14:22” : This is the verse itself – it’s a specific part of a larger story in the Bible. “And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD…” : "Judah" refers to the people of Judah, which was a region in Israel during this time. "Did evil" means they acted badly or disobeyed God's commands. It’s like when someone does something wrong that makes God feel upset. “…and they provoked him to jealousy…” : This is the key part. “Provoke” means to make someone angry or restless. The Israelites were acting in a way that made God jealous . Jealousy is a strong feeling of anger and resentment, and it’s a sign of trouble with God. “with their sins which they had committed…” : This tells us what kind of bad behavior they were having. "Sins" are actions that violate God's laws or commands. They were doing things that were wrong – maybe they were being greedy, unfair to others, or disobeying religious rules. What does this mean for us today? This verse is a reminder that: God’s anger can be very serious. He’s not just annoyed; he's feeling deeply troubled when people are acting badly and disrespectfully. Our actions have consequences. God doesn’t just look down on us; He judges our behavior. It’s important to follow the rules. The Bible stresses that we should live a life pleasing to God by obeying his laws and commandments. In short, this verse is about acknowledging that when we fall short of God's will, it can lead to trouble and displeasure from Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Give a little more context for why this verse was important in biblical history?

Definition: For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:23. It’s a pretty striking image of what the Bible describes as idolatry – focusing on things other than God. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a time when King Solomon and his people were building large, elaborate structures and places dedicated to idols and false gods. They weren’t worshipping God but instead creating things that looked like him or symbolized power – high places, groves (forests), and even living trees! Let's unpack it further: “They also built them high places…” This refers to monumental buildings and temples. It suggests a focus on human-made things that weren’t centered around God. “…and images, and groves, and under every green tree.” This is the really important part. “Images” means idols – representations of people or things that weren't actually worshipped as God. "Groves" refers to forests or wild areas, suggesting a focus on worldly power and pleasure rather than spiritual connection. And “under every green tree” implies creating spaces where people could feel comfortable and focused on these false gods. What’s the message? The Bible is telling us that focusing too much on things that aren't God – things of vanity, power, or fleeting pleasure – can be dangerous. It warns against building up something other than worship to God. In essence, it's a reminder to prioritize God and His kingdom above all else. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like its role in Solomon’s reign)?

Definition: And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 14:24. It's a pretty serious and somewhat unsettling verse, and it speaks about a disturbing group of people in ancient times. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.” Let's unpack each part: "And there were also sodomites in the land..." – This is the key. The verse describes a group of people who were considered evil and morally corrupt. “Sodomites” and “domites” are ancient terms used to refer to groups of people who practiced wickedness and immoral behavior. "[and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." – This is where it gets more complicated, but essentially, it means these sodomites were actively practicing things that God had forbidden. The Bible refers to these as "abominations." Think of them as behaviors that are considered deeply wrong and against God’s law. The LORD (God) was actively removing these harmful practices before the Israelites left their homeland. So, what does this mean in a broader sense? It's about moral corruption: The verse highlights a widespread problem of people living a life that is fundamentally wrong and goes against God’s principles. A warning about sin: It serves as a reminder that human nature can be inclined towards evil, and that we all need to strive for righteousness – following God’s laws and being good. It's connected to the Israelites: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a significant part of Jewish history and tradition. This verse speaks to the potential for such wickedness to persist even after a people leave their homeland. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t say these sodomites were actively leading a life of evil. It simply describes them as practicing behaviors that God considered unacceptable. It's more about their actions and the fact that they defied God’s laws. In short, this verse warns against moral decay and reminds us that we must always strive to live in accordance with God's will. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general understanding of the text and historical context. If you need a deeper dive into this passage, it’s best to consult with a religious or theological expert. Would you like me to: Explain another part of 1 Kings 14? Discuss the significance of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in more detail?

Definition: And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, [that] Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:25. It’s a pretty interesting and somewhat surprising part of the story about how King Solomon's son, Shishak, was to rule. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that Shishak, a foreign king from Egypt, invaded Jerusalem. It’s a significant event because it sets up a conflict between the two kingdoms – Israel and Egypt – long before Solomon's reign. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass…” : This phrase is a standard way of introducing a story or event that was happening in the past. It’s like saying “This is what happened.” “…in the fifth year of king Rehoboam” : This tells us who did this – King Rehoboam, who was Solomon's son. "Fifth year" means it happened about 50 years before the verse itself. “[That] Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:” This is the crucial part! Shishak, a ruler from Egypt, invaded (went into) Jerusalem. He was attacking the city. What's the Significance? This event is important because it’s the beginning of a conflict between Israel and Egypt. It highlights that the region wasn't just a simple matter of territorial disputes; there were deeper political tensions brewing. The verse suggests that this invasion might be connected to a larger struggle for power and influence in the Middle East. In short, it’s a story about a foreign king challenging Israel – a significant step towards future conflict. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger narrative of 1 Kings?

Definition: And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:26. It’s a pretty significant passage about how King Solomon was instructed to manage his wealth and power. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that after Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, he made a huge amount of gold and precious jewels – think tons of coins, bracelets, goblets, and more. He essentially removed all of this wealth from his palace. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD…” : This means he stopped using these riches for religious purposes – like building altars and offering sacrifices to God. It was a focus on worship, not material possessions. “…and the treasures of the king’s house…” : This refers to the wealth he accumulated as King Solomon, which included all his gold, silver, and precious stones. “He even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.” - This is the crucial part. Solomon created a massive collection of incredibly valuable shields of gold – they were like giant, ornate golden shields used for ceremonial purposes. He completely destroyed them! What's the point? This verse is about prudence and responsibility . It’s a reminder that wealth should be used wisely and not become an obsession. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual things rather than material possessions – because, in the end, God’s blessings are far greater than earthly treasures. In short: King Solomon took away all his enormous wealth to show that he was prioritizing God's will over personal gain. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period this verse came from? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader spiritual sense?

Definition: And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed [them] unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king’s house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:27. It’s a bit complex, but here's the gist in plain English: Basically, this verse describes how King Rehoboam, after making some changes to his kingdom, decided to protect his palace with elaborate, expensive shields. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “And king Rehoboam made in their stead…” – This means the king replaced something old with something new. He wasn't just changing things; he was completely rebuilding the security around his home. “…brasen shields…” – “Brasen” is a Hebrew word that means “gold.” So, the shields were made of gold! This shows how important the protection was to him. “…and committed [them] unto the hands of the chief of the guard…” - This is where it gets interesting. The chief of the guards – basically the most trusted and responsible people in the kingdom – were given these shields. They were entrusted with protecting the king’s house. "...which kept the door of the king's house." – This tells us that these shields weren’t just for show. They were specifically designed to keep the royal palace safe and prevent anyone from entering without permission. What does this tell us about the time period? This verse comes from a time when the Hebrew Bible describes a kingdom with a lot of power and a king who wasn't always wise. It suggests that King Rehoboam made a big, potentially risky decision – replacing the traditional security measures with expensive gold shields to ensure his own safety and the security of his home. Overall Significance: It’s a reminder that sometimes, even good intentions can lead to unintended consequences. This verse shows how the king prioritized security above all else, which could have had some negative implications for the kingdom as a whole (it highlights the potential for arrogance). --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Would you like me to: Give you an example of what the "chief of the guard" might have been doing with these shields? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament?

Definition: And it was [so], when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:28. It’s a really important passage about how God wants to build a just and prosperous kingdom for his people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the King was praying and seeking God's guidance while he was in the presence of the Lord. It's like when you’re feeling vulnerable and need a spiritual boost. Here’s a breakdown: “And it was [so]” : This is a slightly tricky part. It means "in that moment," or “at this time.” It’s not just any time, but a specific time when the King was focused on prayer and seeking God's help. “…when the king went into the house of the LORD…” : The King was entering a special place – the temple – where God lived and was present with him. This is a symbolic representation of being in close relationship with God. "...that the guard bare them..." : The guards were carrying or protecting the King. It’s like they were safeguarding him, ensuring his safety and well-being. "...and brought them back into the guard chamber.” : The guards returned the King to a secure and protected area – a place of safety and responsibility, often referred to as a “guard chamber” or “chamber.” What does this verse tell us about God’s plan? This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible about how God intends to establish a kingdom. It suggests that God wants to build a nation (a kingdom) for his people, and He wants to involve them in this process – by having them be protected and cared for. It's about God’s plan for a thriving and just society. In short, it's a story of the King seeking God's guidance and protection while he’s in a sacred space. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in the context of the Bible?