Definition: So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 1:53. It’s a really significant and dramatic moment in the story of building the first temple in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: The Setup: God decided to build a magnificent temple for his people in Jerusalem. He chose King Solomon as the builder. The Tragedy: A massive earthquake struck the land, and the altar where the king was standing collapsed. The king fell from the altar – he was killed! Solomon’s Response: Seeing this tragedy, King Solomon sent his guards to retrieve him. They brought him down from the altar. What the Verse Says in Plain Language: “So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.” "So king Solomon sent..." : This tells us that King Solomon was actively involved in this event. "...and they brought him down from the altar." : This is the key part. The guards – perhaps those who were watching or protecting the king – managed to bring him down from the altar. "And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon:" This means he humbly lowered himself before King Solomon, showing respect and acknowledging his authority. "...and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house." : This is a very important phrase. It’s like saying "You're welcome, come inside." It’s a gesture of comfort and reassurance – he was offering the king a place to rest and be safe. What it Means (The Big Picture): This verse is a moment of profound grief and repentance on Solomon’s part. It shows: Humility: He recognized the gravity of the situation and humbly accepted his fate. Respect: He showed respect to the king, acknowledging his leadership. Comfort & Care: The offer to “Go to thine house” signifies a desire for the king's well-being – he was offering him shelter and safety. It’s a powerful moment in history! It highlights the importance of reverence, respect, and care – key elements of a godly kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Kings? Discuss the significance of the temple itself? Give some context about why this event was so important in the Old Testament story?