Definition: And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation of conflict and opposition between people who are strong and determined – essentially, a group of men – and someone who is vulnerable or easily challenged. Let's unpack the parts: “And there are gathered unto him vain men…” : "Vain men" refers to people who are not wise, skilled, or knowledgeable. They’re likely those who aren’t focused on righteousness or Godly things. “…the children of Belial…” : “Belial” is a name from the Bible that means "the one who is foolish." It's connected to a figure in Jewish tradition known for being a mischievous and challenging person. So, these men are considered to be troublesome and disruptive. “…and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon…” : “Rehoboam” was King Solomon’s son who was young and easily swayed. He was favored by his father, and this verse describes a group of people actively working against him. They were focused on causing trouble and resisting his decisions. “when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted…” : This is crucial . Rehoboam was a young king who was feeling insecure and overwhelmed with responsibility. He was likely prone to being easily influenced by others. "...and could not withstand them." : They were successful in their efforts to oppose him, but ultimately failed to overcome his strength and resolve. In short, this verse describes a group of people – possibly challenging figures – who actively resisted the leadership of King Solomon's son. What’s the big takeaway? It highlights the importance of wisdom, discernment, and being mindful of your own weaknesses. It also shows that even powerful individuals can be challenged by those who are not wise or well-equipped to handle a situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide context about the story behind it (like the history of King Solomon)? Discuss its significance in a broader biblical theme (e.g., the dangers of pride or disobedience)?