Definition: And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:20. Itâs a bit complex at first, but we can understand it simply. Here's the basic meaning: This verse tells us about King Solomonâs son, Jeroboam, and his reign. It says that he ruled for two and twenty years, and while he was in power, he rested with his father, David. Letâs unpack it layer by layer: âAnd the days which Jeroboam reignedâ : This refers to the time when Jeroboam was king. âwereâ : This means "were" in the past tense. It tells us this is a historical event that happened. âtwo and twenty yearsâ : This is a specific amount of time â two full years and twenty days. âand he slept with his fathersâ : This is a key part. Jeroboam was sleeping with his father, David. He wasnât actively ruling; he was simply resting and not fully engaged in the duties of kingship. âand Nadab his son reigned in his steadâ : This tells us that after Jeroboam rested, his son, Nadab, took over as king. So, essentially, this verse describes a period where Jeroboam was temporarily sidelined while his father, David, continued to rule. Whatâs the significance? This is an interesting part of biblical history because it shows a bit of a pattern in how kingship was passed down. It highlights that even when a king rests or takes time off, the leadership continues through their lineage. It also suggests a balance between the king and his father â a period of rest followed by continued rule. Important Note: This verse isnât about what Jeroboam did during those two years, just that he rested with his father. It's a narrative detail that adds context to the story of the kingship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme in these verses (like succession or leadership)?