Definition: But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old [was he] when he died.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 24:15. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse in the Bible that deals with a difficult decision about King David’s succession. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David Was King: In the Old Testament, David was the king of Israel. He had many children, including his son Solomon who became the king of Israel and Judah. A Problem Arises: After David's death, his sons – Boaz, followed by Salmon, Ruth, and David (who is now considered to be a descendant of David) – began to argue about who should become king. They wanted to claim the throne for themselves. What Jehoiada Does: Jehoiada is a Man: This verse tells us about a man named Jehoiada. He was a royal advisor and a very important figure in the King’s court. He Wants to Purify the Throne: Jehoiada really wanted to make sure that David's bloodline would continue through his son, Salmon. He believed this was the right thing to do for the kingdom. The Crucial Part – “Waxed Old and Died” Old and Dying: This is the key part. Jehoiada was old – he had lived a long time. He was full of days, which means he spent a significant amount of his life in service to the king. Dead: He died! This is the most surprising part. What it Means (Simplified): Jehoiada’s desire to purify the throne through his son, Salmon, ultimately led him to make a difficult and regrettable decision: he killed David's son, Boaz, in order to ensure that Salmon would become king. He essentially chose to prioritize his own desires over the legacy of David. The Significance: This verse is a reminder of how powerful human ambition can be and how it can lead to tragic consequences. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal ambition over justice and honoring the traditions of the past. It shows us that even with good intentions, mistakes can happen. --- Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a deeply flawed decision made by a king who wasn't wise enough to understand the consequences of his actions. It's a complex story that has been debated for centuries! Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the context surrounding this event in more detail?