Definition: And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 12:31. It's a really significant passage about God’s plan for Israel! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: God decided to give the people of Manasseh – a tribe of people that existed on the east side of the Jordan River – a special role and position in the future. He chose them to become the first king of Israel. Let’s unpack it bit by bit: “And of the half tribe of Manasseh…” : This refers to a specific group of people called Manasseh. It was a group that existed on the east side of the Jordan River, and they were historically a bit more isolated and often associated with hardship. “…which were expressed by name…” : This is a little tricky – it means they were recognized as a distinct group. They weren't just "a tribe" – they had a specific name and identity. "...to come and make David king." : This is the core of the verse. God specifically chose this group to become the first king of Israel. He wanted them to lead and govern, and to be the foundation for the future monarchy in the land. Why was this important? This passage is a key part of the Old Testament’s story of God’s plan for establishing his kingdom in Israel. It shows that God doesn't just want a king; He wants a group of people to be chosen and empowered to lead, which ultimately leads to the establishment of the nation of Israel as we know it. In short, it’s about God choosing a specific group of people to become the first king of Israel, signifying a significant step in his plan for establishing his kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period this verse came from? Or perhaps discuss the significance of the Manasseh tribe itself?