Definition: Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 4:25. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage that gets into the beginnings of God’s plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us about two brothers, Shallum, Mibsam, and Mishma, who were born to a woman named Shallum. God decided to give them distinct roles and responsibilities within the kingdom of Israel. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Shallum his son, Mibsam his son…” This establishes that they are the sons of a single mother – Shallum. “…Mibsam his son…” This means Mibsam was also a son of Shallum. “…and Mishma his son…” And this one too! The Significance - It’s about God’s Plan & Purpose: Now, here's where it gets really interesting and symbolic. The verse isn’t just about family; it’s a signpost of God’s plan for Israel. It suggests that God has already chosen these two brothers to play specific roles within the kingdom – essentially, to be part of His grand design. Possible Interpretations (These are debated among scholars): Leadership Roles: Some believe this verse points to the idea that God is preparing Israel for a future leader. The different names suggest they might have been given different strengths or skills needed in that leadership position. Different Paths: It could symbolize that each brother would follow a distinct path and contribute uniquely to the kingdom's success. God’s Favor & Blessing: Ultimately, it’s often interpreted as God’s blessing on these two brothers, recognizing their importance in His plan for Israel’s future. In short, this verse is a beautiful reminder that God has a purpose for each person and family within His kingdom, even from the very beginning. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example, would you like me to: Explain a specific interpretation in more detail? Talk about the historical context of this verse? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of Scripture?