Definition: And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:42. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: “God says to the man who is letting go of a person he has appointed to do evil, that his life will be taken away, and people will suffer as a result.” Let’s unpack the key parts: "God says..." : This establishes that this isn't just a random statement; it’s a direct message from God. "...to him..." : It’s directed at a specific person – likely a king or leader. "...and he has appointed to utter destruction..." : This is the core of the verse. The person being let go of isn't just doing something bad; they are specifically designed to cause harm and ruin. It suggests this person was chosen for a terrible purpose. "...therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people." : This is where the consequence comes in. Because of this deliberate action, God is punishing the person. His life will be taken away, and the people he’s responsible for will suffer greatly. What's the message? This verse speaks to a sense of divine justice and wrath. It highlights that: God sees all things: He knows about every action and intention. God is very serious: His punishment isn't arbitrary; it's a direct response to something terrible being allowed to happen. God protects His people: This verse also suggests a protective aspect – God is actively intervening to ensure that evil doesn’t reach those he cares about. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against disobedience and the dangers of setting oneself up for disaster. It's a reminder that God's judgment can be swift and severe. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context (like the story of the storm)? Explore different interpretations of this passage?