Definition: And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam [was] forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 14:21 together. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it in a few key parts: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about the reign of King Rehoboam, who was the son of King Solomon, and his time as king in Judah (a region within Israel). He reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And Rehoboam the son of Solomon” : This establishes who we're talking about – one of the ten sons of King David, and the son of King Solomon. He was a ruler known for his wisdom (though perhaps not always wise!). “reigned in Judah” : He ruled within the region of Judah, which is now part of modern-day Israel. “Rehoboam [was] forty and one years old when he began to reign” : This tells us he started his reign at age 40 and had only one year under his rule. “and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel…” : This is a really important part. The Lord chose Jerusalem to be the capital city for Israel. This shows that God was prioritizing this location and giving it special significance. “to put his name there.” : He made Jerusalem the center of his kingdom, and he wanted to make God’s name prominent in it. “And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.” : This tells us that Rehoboam had a mother named Naamah. She was from a foreign land (Ammon) and was known for her skill as a weaver. So, what's the big takeaway? This passage describes a king who was initially successful but then made a mistake by prioritizing his own desires over God’s will. He chose to rule in a specific region of Israel, making it the center of his power and wealth. It highlights a potential warning about ambition and how it can lead to disobedience. In essence, this verse is a story about a king who was good at ruling but also made a choice that wasn't right according to God’s plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger theme in the Bible (like obedience or divine providence)?