Definition: But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 25:4. It’s a pretty complex and poetic passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s the core meaning: This verse is about responsibility and consequence in a way that’s both powerful and a little unsettling. It essentially says: “Even though people died, they were punished for their sins, just as God intended.” Let's unpack it further: "But he slew not their children..." – This is the initial part. The verse starts by saying that the king didn’t actively kill the people. It’s a very unusual and dramatic statement. It suggests a deliberate, perhaps even intentional , decision to let them die. "...but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses..." – This is crucial. The verse immediately connects this action to something divinely established. It's referencing a specific law, specifically one found in the Old Testament Book of Moses (the Torah). This law was given by God to the Israelites and contained instructions about how to treat people. "...where the LORD commanded..." – This emphasizes that this wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a direct order from God. It's saying that God told the king to do this. "...saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin." – This is the heart of the verse. It’s a heavy statement about the consequences of sin. It means that because God commanded it, everyone will ultimately suffer for their sins. “The fathers shall not die for the children…” - This suggests that the responsibility for wrongdoing falls primarily on the parents. The idea is that the punishment isn’t just for the children themselves, but for the actions of the father. “…neither shall the children die for the fathers…” – This reinforces the idea of a shared responsibility. It means that the children are also punished because they too committed their own sins. "...but every man shall die for his own sin." - This is the most unsettling part. It means that everyone , regardless of their status or position, will face judgment and punishment for their individual failings. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a kingdom where divine justice is absolute. God has set a boundary – he’s given instructions about how to deal with sin, and those instructions are being followed. It suggests that the king's actions were a consequence of a divine law, and that everyone ultimately faces judgment for their own sins. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as highlighting the importance of obeying God's laws and taking responsibility for one’s actions. It can also be seen as a reminder that sin has consequences, regardless of who is involved. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss the historical context of this passage?