Definition: And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 11:19. It's a really complex and disturbing passage about a king’s arrogance and his willingness to take a dangerous action. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: This verse describes a king who was so proud and arrogant that he believed he could defy God’s judgment entirely. He felt he wasn't responsible for the consequences of his actions, and he deliberately chose to do something incredibly harmful. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And said, My God forbid it me…” – The king is expressing a deep sense of self-preservation and a feeling that he is somehow immune to divine punishment. He's essentially saying, "I don't need God's help; I can handle this alone." “…that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy?” – This is the crucial part. The king is proposing a terrible act: he’s going to deliberately kill these men who were threatened by his actions. He's suggesting he chooses to take action that would cause harm, and he believes it's not his responsibility to stop it. “for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it.” – This is the key statement about the king’s arrogance. He’s saying that his actions – by deliberately causing this threat – are what actually led to the men being put in jeopardy. He's framing his own behavior as the cause of a negative situation. “Therefore he would not drink it.” – This is an expression of guilt and remorse. He recognizes that his action was wrong, but he still continues with the dangerous plan. It’s a sign of profound weakness and a lack of humility. “These things did these three mightiest.” - This phrase emphasizes how seriously this king considered his actions. It suggests these were not just simple choices, but significant and potentially devastating decisions. What does it mean in a broader context? This verse is a warning about the dangers of pride and arrogance. It highlights that humans must be humbled before God and strive to follow His will. It’s a reminder that we are all accountable for our actions, even when we believe we can avoid consequences. Important Note: The word “blood” in this context is very symbolic. It represents the consequence of sin and wrongdoing. The king's desire to "drink" it isn't about physical consumption; it’s a metaphor for taking action that will lead to harm and punishment. In short, this verse describes a king who was so arrogant he chose to actively cause harm, demonstrating a dangerous imbalance between his pride and God’s judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss why this passage is significant in biblical theology? Compare it to a similar story or situation in the Bible?