Definition: And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 11:39. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about God’s plan for Israel and its future. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to temporarily hinder the progress of David's lineage – specifically, his descendants – through a series of hardships and challenges. It’s not a permanent punishment, but rather a period of disruption designed to prepare for a larger, more significant outcome. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I will for this afflict the seed of David…” This means God is going to put obstacles in the path of David's descendants – their children and grandchildren. It’s about disrupting their future. "...but not for ever." This is crucial . This isn't a one-time event. It’s a temporary measure. God intends this to be a period of disruption, but it won’t last indefinitely. What does “afflict” mean? The word "afflict" in the context of biblical scripture often means to distress or burden . It suggests hardship and difficulty. It's not about inflicting punishment – it's about disrupting progress. Think of it like a storm that slows down a ship, forcing it to take a different route. What’s the purpose of this? This verse is part of a larger plan God has for Israel. It’s connected to a broader narrative about: The Future Kingdom: The verses surrounding 1 Kings 11 describe a future kingdom that God intends to establish in Israel, which will ultimately be ruled by David's descendants. Preparing for the Messiah: This is a significant part of the Old Testament prophecy about Jesus Christ and his coming. It’s a preparation for the time when Jesus will return and establish His Kingdom. In essence, this verse highlights God’s ongoing plan to guide Israel towards its destiny through challenges and trials. It's a strategic measure designed to ultimately lead them to the fulfillment of God’s promises. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Kings%3A39](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Kings%3A39) - This provides a detailed explanation and translation of the verse. Wikipedia - 1 Kings 11:39: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_Kings_11%3A39](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_Kings_11%3A39) - A good overview of the context and meaning. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect in more detail? (e.g., the symbolism behind the "afflict") Provide a parallel example from another Bible passage?