Definition: And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 1:36. It’s a really important moment in history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s a declaration of repentance and agreement. “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada”: This refers to a king named Jehoiada who was previously leading Israel towards God. Benaiah is his advisor and likely responsible for overseeing the situation. “Answered the king…” – He was listening to the King’s words. “…and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too]” - This is where it gets significant. "Amen" is a word in Hebrew that means “yes.” The King responded with “Amen,” and then he added, “the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too].” What does it mean? It's a powerful statement of agreement and acknowledgment. Here’s what it signifies: Repentance: The King was repentant . He had been wrong in his judgment and actions. He had likely been allowing injustice or wrongdoing to continue. Agreement with God’s Will: The King is clearly acknowledging that the Lord God – the divine being – approves of what he's doing. Context is Key - Why is this important? This verse comes after a period of idolatry and rebellion by some of the Israelite elders. Jehoiada, recognizing the need for change, spoke to the King and essentially said, “We’re sorry, Your Majesty. We understand we've made mistakes.” This verse is a cornerstone of the story of Josiah’s reforms – he reversed many of these practices and started to focus on God’s law and righteousness. In short: It's a sign that King Jehoiada had taken responsibility for his actions and, through his words, signaled a shift towards obedience to God. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context? Break down the Hebrew word “Amen”? Discuss what this verse might signify about Josiah's reign?