Definition: And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 10:5. It’s a really fascinating passage about a woman who is incredibly blessed and powerful. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse describes a woman who was exceptionally wealthy and privileged – she had a magnificent table, servants, ministers, attire, and even a ritual of going up to the Lord’s house! However, everything was empty – devoid of spirit. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the meat of his table…” : This refers to a lavish feast or banquet. It highlights her abundance and prosperity. “…and the sitting of his servants…” : This means there were many people present, likely important officials and people she was serving. "...and the attendance of his ministers..." : She had a large group of advisors and leaders present. "...and their apparel..." : She was dressed in fine clothes and jewels – symbols of her status and wealth. "...and his cupbearers..." : This is a significant detail. These were drinking cups, likely wine or other beverages. They represent abundance and celebration. "...and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her." – This is the most important part. “Spirit” here means life , energy , presence , and power . This woman wasn't just rich; she had a powerful, vibrant presence that was now gone. So, what does it all mean? The verse describes a woman who was incredibly blessed – wealthy, powerful, and well-cared for. However, her life was empty. She possessed everything materially and socially, but lacked something crucial: a genuine spiritual connection with God. It’s like a beautiful building filled with treasures, but without the soul of the owner. The Significance: This is often interpreted as a commentary on the importance of spiritual life over material wealth. It suggests that true blessing comes not just from possessions, but from a relationship with God and living a righteous life. It’s about more than just being rich; it's about being filled with God's presence and purpose. In short, this verse warns against focusing solely on worldly riches and emphasizes the importance of spiritual connection. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect this story to a specific biblical concept (like faith or righteousness)?