Definition: And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the book of Kings. It’s a really powerful and significant passage about God's judgment and righteous anger. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Ahab and His Followers: The verse focuses on King Ahab, a prominent leader of the Israelites who was deeply disrespectful towards God. He was known for his rebellion against God and his refusal to follow God’s laws. Servants of the LORD: It refers to all the people of Israel – the Jews – who are servants of God. These weren't just ordinary workers; they were vital to the nation's prosperity and spiritual well-being. What God is Doing: God is saying, “Because of Ahab’s wickedness and disrespect towards God, I will punish him.” He’s deliberately choosing to focus his anger and justice on Ahab and all those who served him. He’s sending a message of punishment. The Specific Actions: “Smite the house of Ahab thy master…” : This is a strong command – God is telling Ahab to be destroyed or punished severely. It's not just any punishment; it's a targeted attack. “…that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD.” : This is the most important part. It’s saying that God wants to avenge the deaths of those who served Ahab. “My servants” refers to the prophets – people called by God who spoke for Israel, reminding them of their covenant relationship with him and warning them about sin. “…the blood of my servants…” : This means God wants to punish those who were harmed by Ahab’s actions - specifically, the innocent lives lost due to his disrespect. “The blood of all the servants of the LORD” : This is a broad statement – it's not just about Ahab’s specific deaths; it includes everyone who followed him, served him, and were impacted by his behavior. What It Means (Overall): This verse is a reminder that God will hold people accountable for their actions, especially when they choose to ignore His laws and disrespect Him. It's a declaration of divine justice – that God will punish those who are wicked and refuse to follow His guidance. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story about Israel’s history and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights that God doesn’t just judge people in general; He judges them specifically for their actions against Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular event or story from the Bible?