Definition: The term "afore-heard" in the King James Version (KJV) is a figurative phrase that means something that has been heard before, especially through hearing or speaking. In Hebrew scripture, "hearing" refers to the act of listening actively or comprehending what someone else is saying or teaching. The word "heard" indicates that something has already been recognized and understood, either through listening or by having direct contact with someone who says or speaks it. The phrase "before-heard" suggests that this experience had occurred before and therefore was not new information or previously unseen. This can be seen as a metaphorical way of saying that the thing heard prior to the event is something that has already happened, but was not perceived until later in history through direct contact with someone else. The word "fore-" typically implies "before" or "after," which often refers to time or sequence, suggesting it might stand for an action that took place before a specific event. The phrase "hearing the same thing over and again" could also mean being continually exposed to something because it has occurred multiple times.

afore-heard

Definition: And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind [him] a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 22:13. It's a really significant story about God’s plan and trust in our obedience. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: God wanted to create humanity, but He couldn’t do it alone. So, He told Abraham to go out into the desert and find a ram (a goat). As Abraham was looking around, he saw a ram caught in a thicket – a thorny bush – by its horns. What Happened Next: God then instructed Abraham to take the ram and offer it as a burnt offering. He wanted to make this offering as a burnt sacrifice – meaning it would be burned on a special altar, symbolizing a commitment to God’s will. Because Abraham was so worried about his son, he decided to take the ram and sacrifice it instead. What It Means (Simplified): This verse is a moment of incredible trust from Abraham. He’s showing that he's willing to completely give up his own desire to have a child to become a man. God is trusting him to fulfill His plan, even when things seem difficult. It shows his faith and obedience. Key Takeaway: It’s about surrender and trust in God's plan – even when it’s challenging. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind the ram and thicket? Discuss the significance of Abraham's obedience? Or maybe delve into a specific aspect of this story (like the creation of humankind)?

Definition: Sherry is a type of wine, meaning it's made with sherry oak for aging. It's typically lighter than red or white wines and has a smooth, fruity taste.

sherry

Definition: Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew [it] unto Esther, and to declare [it] unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important passage about courage and leadership! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes how Esther is given a crucial piece of information that helps her save her people from a terrible threat. Basically, she gets a detailed instruction – a "copy" of a decree – to use to alert the king. Let’s unpack it part by part: “Esther 4:8” : This is the title of the verse, referencing a specific story in the Bible. “Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them…” : This is key! Esther receives a copy of a decree. "Shushan" is a city in Persia (modern-day Iran). The decree was meant to be sent to destroy the Jewish community there. This copy is incredibly important because it tells her exactly what she needs to do. “to shew [it] unto Esther…” : This means “to show it to Esther.” She’s giving her this information directly. “to declare [it] unto her…” : This means "to tell her about it." She's explaining the situation to her. “and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him…” : This is where it gets really important. Esther is instructed to go directly to the king . She needs to deliver this message – this decree – to him. Importantly, she’s also told to make a prayer or ask for favor from him. It's about appealing to his judgment and potentially helping her people. “and to make request before him for her people.” : She needs to plead with the king to look out for her people – those who are Jewish in Persia. In a nutshell: Esther receives a detailed warning and instructions from the king, urging her to use this information to alert him about a threat against her community. It's a strategic move designed to protect her people! Why is this important? This verse shows that Esther was brave and intelligent enough to step up when things were dangerous. It highlights the power of communication and how even seemingly small pieces of information can make a huge difference in a crisis. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss the significance of Esther’s role in Jewish history?

Definition: And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Judges 14:15. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse! Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after Samson’s death and the destruction of his home and family. It describes a group of people – likely shepherds – who are desperately trying to figure out a riddle that Samson had created. They were worried about Samson's wife, Delilah, and wanted to know if she was being tempted by him. What’s Happening in the Verse: “And it came to pass on the seventh day…” : This tells us this is part of a longer story, possibly a prophecy or an explanation of what happened before. It's referring to a specific point in time – the seventh day after Samson's death. “…that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have?” This is the core of the problem. The group of shepherds are asking Samson's wife (Delilah) a very specific question: "Have you called us to take that we have?" “[is it] not [so]?” : This is the crucial part. They’re trying to understand why this riddle is important and what the consequence of answering it would be. It's like saying, “Is this riddle significant? Is there a reason for us to care about it?” Putting It All Together – The Possible Meaning: This verse suggests that Samson created a complex riddle as a way to test his wife’s character and perhaps to find out if she was being influenced by him. The shepherds are worried because they believe that answering this riddle would lead to something terrible: their home, their family, everything they owned being destroyed with fire – a punishment for disobedience or betrayal. Important Note: The exact meaning of the riddle is not explicitly stated in this verse. It’s left open to interpretation and has been debated by scholars for centuries! It's likely a symbolic representation of a difficult challenge or test that Samson faced. In short, it’s a story about a desperate attempt to understand something significant – a riddle created by Samson – and the fear that answering it would have devastating consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges 14? Discuss the significance of the concept of "testing" or "trials" in biblical stories?

Definition: The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:15. It's a really powerful statement about God’s role in resolving conflict. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “God is going to look into this situation and decide what happens between me and you.” Let's unpack that a little further: “The LORD therefore be judge” : This refers to God Himself – He’s taking on a role of justice and fairness. “…and judge between me and thee…” : This is the core of the verse. It means God will evaluate our situation and make a decision. “Thee” refers to you, meaning he’s examining your actions or behavior. "...and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.” : This is where it gets really impactful. It means God will examine what happened, understand the situation, and then take action to protect you. He'll look at your wrongdoing, and if he deems it wrong, he will intervene . He’ll take action to prevent you from getting into trouble or suffering further harm. The word "deliver" means to save someone from danger or hardship – in this case, to protect you. In short, it’s a promise of God’s justice and protection. It’s a statement about God's willingness to take action when things go wrong and to ensure fairness and safety for those who are wronged. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's justice and righteousness, but it also carries a deeper meaning – that God isn't just concerned with punishment; He’s concerned with righting wrongs and protecting good people. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What kind of "wrongdoing" is being discussed? How this verse relates to a specific situation or story in the Bible?

Definition: Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 16:14. It’s a really interesting detail about how God records history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is recording everything that King Elah (a king of Israel) did after he became king. Let’s unpack it further: “The rest of the Acts of Elah…” : This refers to everything that happened during the reign of King Elah. Think of it as a complete record of his rule. “…and all that he did…” : This is a big phrase – it means everything – not just grand events, but every single action, decision, and decree he made. “[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?” : This is the crucial part. The “book of the chronicles” was essentially a record book that chronicled all the kings of Israel. This verse tells us that God has already recorded every single thing Elah did within his reign, and it's included in this very book. What does this say about God’s perspective? It suggests that God is watching over Israel and recording everything that happens to them. It implies a level of meticulous observation and accountability on God’s part. It also shows that God doesn’t just observe events, but actively documents them for his own purpose. In short: God has a complete, detailed record of King Elah's entire reign, and it’s included in the official history book of Israel. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what “Acts of Elah” means? Talk about why this passage is significant in biblical history?

Definition: Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical verse together! It's a really interesting and somewhat unusual passage from the Book of Chronicles. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes two young boys – Laadan and Elishama – who are being blessed with a special gift by God. It’s about recognizing that everyone is created valuable and deserving of God's favor, regardless of their background or status. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Laadan his son”: This refers to Laadan, who was a young man from a wealthy family. “Ammihud his son”: This is the son of Ammihud, a shepherd. “Elishama his son”: This is the son of Elishama, also a shepherd. The Key Point – It’s about Recognizing Value: The verse says that God has blessed both these boys with a special gift. This isn't just about being nice to them; it’s about recognizing their inherent worth and dignity as created by God. What does this tell us about God’s perspective? He sees everyone as equal: This verse emphasizes that God doesn't judge people based on their wealth, status, or what they do . He sees them all as made in His image. It’s a blessing of grace: The act of blessing these two boys is a sign that God desires to be with them and to bless them. It shows He values them. In short, the verse highlights God's unconditional love and acceptance of everyone. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Give you a little background on how this story was used in ancient times?

Definition: That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who [were] the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 7:2. It's a really important part of the story of Moses and the Israelites leaving Egypt! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who [were] the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:” Let's unpack it word by word: "That..." : This is a command or instruction. It’s saying this is happening . "...the princes of Israel..." : This refers to a group of leaders – the heads of families and tribes – who were part of the Israelites. Think of them as the “bosses” of their people. "...heads of the house of their fathers..." : This is a bit tricky. It means they were the leaders of the original groups of people that came with the Israelites from Egypt. They were the ones who had been there before, and now they’re returning to find a new home. "...who [were] the princes of the tribes..." : This emphasizes that they were specific leaders within those families. "...and were over them that were numbered." : This is the key part! They were in charge of a group of people . The "that were numbered" refers to a specific number of people. Essentially, they were overseeing a group of Israelites who had been counted and designated for a new place. So, putting it all together: Moses is telling the princes of Israel – the leaders of the original tribes – to come forward and offer something (likely food or a sacrifice) to God. They are in charge of a specific group of people that had been counted before they left Egypt. Context & Significance: This verse is significant because it’s one of the first times we see Moses giving instructions to the Israelites to gather and offer to God. It's a crucial step in the story of their journey out of slavery! --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about this passage?

Definition: But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 2:22. It's a really important and slightly mysterious passage about Jesus’ early life. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Archelaus was a problem: The verse tells us that Archelaus – a young man living in Judaea – was becoming increasingly troublesome. He was being given positions of power and influence, even in his father Herod's house. Fearful and warned: Herod, who was the King of Judea at the time, told Archelaus he was being given a very important position. This made Archelaus incredibly fearful – he felt like he was in danger. A dream comes to light: Suddenly, God speaks to Archelaus in a dream. He’s given a clear message: Don't go to Judaea. This is a significant warning! Turning away: Archelaus decides to avoid the situation and goes somewhere else – into the Galilee region, which is a part of Israel known for its peace and hospitality. What it means in simpler terms: Archelaus was being given a big, potentially dangerous opportunity that God warned him against. He needed to avoid this situation because it wasn't right or safe. He took the warning seriously and chose to leave Judaea to go to Galilee, where he’s shown as being welcomed by Jesus. Key Takeaway: This verse is a foundational story about God’s protection and guidance. It highlights that God has a plan for our lives, even when things seem scary or difficult. It also shows that Jesus was already preparing to come into the world and bring hope and peace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?