Definition: Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 9:29. It’s a bit complex, but here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how God’s judgment and punishment for Israel’s wickedness was already known to Him before the time of Solomon. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now the rest of the acts of Solomon…” : This refers to the entire story of Solomon's reign – his building projects, his laws, and his overall rule. “…first and last” : This means the entire history of Solomon’s actions is already known to God. “[are] they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet…” : This suggests that a record of Solomon's mistakes and failures was already recorded by the prophet Nathan. “and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite…” : This refers to a prophecy given by a person named Ahijah, who lived in Jerusalem at the time. “…and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?” : This is where it gets interesting. It points to a vision (a dream or a message) that was also recorded by a seer named Iddo, who lived before the time of Solomon. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that God already knew about Solomon's terrible behavior – his idolatry, his disobedience, and his overall moral failings – even long before he built the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s like He’d already foreseen this situation and recorded it in a way that was passed down through history. What does it mean practically? This verse emphasizes God's prevenient role in human history. It suggests that God doesn't just intervene directly, but has been watching over humanity and knows what will happen. It’s a reminder that we all make mistakes, and God is ultimately responsible for our choices. In short: This verse tells us that God knew about Solomon's wrongdoings before he was even born, and those records are part of the broader story of human history. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail or perhaps explore a related concept? For example, we could talk about: The significance of prophecies The context of Solomon’s reign How this verse relates to the Old Testament narrative