Definition: And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 8:50. It’s a really important part of understanding God’s relationship with his people. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about forgiveness and extending mercy to those who have wronged you. Let's unpack it word by word: “And forgive thy people…” – This means "and forgive your people." It’s a direct plea from King David to his people, acknowledging that they have broken his trust. “…that have sinned against thee…” – This is the core of the message. “Sin” in this context doesn't mean a big, dramatic act of evil. It means wrongdoing – disobeying God’s commands, breaking His laws, or behaving dishonestly. It’s about actions that are against what God wants for you. “…and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee…” - This is a more detailed explanation of the sin. “Transgressions” means violations or offenses. "Whereupon they have transgressed against thee" means they've broken your trust and disobeyed your rules in specific ways – perhaps through dishonesty, violence, or disrespecting you. “and give them compassion before them who carried them captive…” – This is where it gets really important. “Carried them captive” means that the people were under a rule or restriction, like being held as slaves or under a difficult situation. The verse says, "Give them compassion before they are captured." It’s about offering forgiveness before they’re in a difficult and potentially dangerous position. So, what's the big takeaway? David is saying that God desires to be merciful to his people even when they have wronged him. He wants to offer forgiveness and understanding before they are taken captive or put in a difficult situation. It’s about showing love and grace despite their mistakes. Why is this important? This verse shows a fundamental principle of God's character: He loves his people, even when they don't love him back. It emphasizes forgiveness as a key part of our relationship with God. --- To help me explain it even better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its theological meaning, or something specific?)