Definition: Then said [Jehu] to Bidkar his captain, Take up, [and] cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 9:25. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Book of Judges, and it speaks about a very serious situation. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What’s Happening? Jehu is angry: Jehu, who was the King of Israel at this point, is furious with Bidkar, the captain of a group of merchants who were involved in a deal with Ahab (the king). Ahab's Favor: Ahab had been treating these merchants very well – giving them land and privileges. This made them incredibly wealthy and influential. The Deal Gone Wrong: Jehu’s men, after Ahab’s death, discovered that Bidkar had agreed to give a large portion of the kingdom to another person – a wealthy man named Naboth. They found out about this agreement through some secret means. A Heavy Burden: Jehu tells Bidkar, “You need to be punished for this.” He’s essentially saying that Bidkar deserves to be punished for his betrayal of the kingdom and the agreement with Naboth. What Does it Mean? The verse is a bit complex, but here's a simplified explanation: “Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field…” : Jehu is instructing Bidkar to immediately take a very large share of the land that was meant for the kingdom. He’s saying, “You need to be punished with this amount.” “…of Naboth the Jezreelite” : This identifies the person who was involved – Naboth, a wealthy merchant from Jezreel (a region in Israel). "...when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father..." : Jehu is saying he and Bidkar were working together to uncover this secret. It emphasizes that this wasn’t just a simple disagreement; it was a deliberate act of betrayal. The Significance – Why it Matters This verse highlights a significant problem: the abuse of power. Jehu’s actions are seen as a violation of the laws and the trust placed in the king. It points to a pattern of corruption and disregard for the people's interests. Important Note: The Bible doesn't say exactly what Jehu did, but it suggests that he used his position to take advantage of Naboth’s wealth and influence. This was a very serious transgression. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you have, let me know: Are you curious about the context of the story? Do you want to delve deeper into the idea of betrayal?