Definition: Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, [even] all the children of Israel, [being] seven thousand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:15. It's a really significant passage in the Bible that describes a massive event! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is counting everything – people and children of Israel – to determine how much he wants to bless them. Let’s unpack it further: “Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces…” This refers to a group of leaders in different regions across Israel. Think of them as the heads of the local governments or military forces. “…and they were two hundred and thirty-two.” This is the starting number. It’s a significant amount, suggesting a large population at the beginning. “And after them he numbered all the people…” This continues the counting. “[even] all the children of Israel…” This is the big one . "Children of Israel" refers to the Israelites who were enslaved in Egypt and eventually led by Moses. The verse says they are counted all – meaning the entire group, not just a few. “…being seven thousand.” This is the final number. It's a huge figure – almost all the people of Israel were included in this counting! What’s the significance? This story is often interpreted as a sign that God was concerned about the future of his people and their destiny. It shows how much he values them and wants to protect them. It also speaks to the potential for great conflict, as the verse says “he numbered all…” which suggests a significant amount of people are involved. In short, it's a massive count that highlights God’s concern for his people and their future. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is important in biblical history? Discuss the context surrounding this verse (when did it happen, what was going on at the time)? Or, would you like a different Bible passage to explain?