Definition: Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who [was] over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 12:18. It's a really sad and dramatic story about a king who wasn’t listening to the advice of his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Rehoboam was a powerful ruler, but he made a big mistake by being too stubborn and ignoring what his people wanted. He sent Adoram, who was in charge of collecting taxes and tribute (money), to completely stop the Israelites from giving him money. Adoram, however, refused to do so. The Israelites, enraged, stoned (hit with stones) him! This was a very violent act. What it’s saying: This event showed that King Rehoboam wasn’t listening to God's guidance or the needs and desires of his people. He prioritized his own decisions over the well-being and happiness of Israel. It highlights a key theme in the Bible: God wants us to listen to those who are responsible for our lives. What it means about leadership: Blindness to the People: The story shows that a leader needs to be open to advice from those they lead. King Rehoboam was so focused on his own power that he ignored the warnings of his people. The Importance of Listening: It’s a reminder that we should always listen to the voices of our communities, and that it's important to consider what others want and need. In short, this verse is about a king who made a terrible mistake by ignoring the will of his people, leading to a devastating outcome. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage that I can help you with? For example, would you like me to: Explain a particular part in more detail? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like obedience or wisdom)?