Definition: And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 13:4. It’s a really important and often misunderstood part of the Old Testament about how God wants us to share our blessings. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Man Called Micah: This story is about a man named Micah who was living near an altar in Bethel. He was upset because he felt that the altar wasn’t being honored properly. King Jeroboam’s Warning: King Jeroboam, who was the king at the time, heard Micah’s complaint. He told his guards to reach out and grab Micah. He essentially said, "You need to be held!" The Miracle Happens: But… something unexpected happened! As the guards reached for Micah, they stopped. Their hands just dried up . It was as if something was holding them back. What it Means – The Key Concepts: This verse is about God’s plan for sharing his blessings with those who are truly generous and willing to give. Here's a breakdown of the meaning: God Doesn’t Like Unfairness: The verse highlights that God doesn’t want anyone to be held back from receiving what they’ve earned through hard work and generosity. He wants everyone to share their blessings equally. Giving Generously is Key: Micah was upset because he wasn't giving generously. The verse says his hand drying up was a sign that his generosity was too limited. God wants us to be generous, not just enough to get a little bit, but enough to give away all we have. It’s About the Spirit: The most important part is that this isn't about physical holding. It’s about the spirit of generosity and compassion. God’s spirit wants us to share our wealth, possessions, and opportunities with others. In a nutshell, the verse teaches us to be generous and share our blessings because it pleases God. It’s a powerful reminder that true wealth isn't about how much we have, but how much we give back to others. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give an example of generosity in the Bible?