Definition: And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 14:3. It's a pretty complex verse, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s the gist: The Basic Idea: This verse is about leadership and responsibility . It’s saying that if you are king or ruler of a kingdom, you have a special duty – to make decisions that will affect the well-being of your people. And this decision involves a specific person, and it has a significant consequence. Let's unpack each part: “And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey…” - This refers to food and gifts . The king is being given a certain amount of food – likely provisions for the people – and some special gifts (like “cracknels” which are kind of like small, hard candies or snacks). A "cruse of honey" suggests a plentiful offering. “…and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.” - This is the crucial part. The king is being sent by someone (likely a prophet or advisor) to this specific person – usually the king’s chief advisor or a trusted servant. The messenger says that this person will reveal the outcome of the child's life. So, what does it all mean? Essentially, this verse lays out a situation where the king is responsible for the future of his people. He needs to make a choice – and the consequences of that choice are tied to the fate of a child. It’s a weighty responsibility! Possible Interpretations (without being definitive): The King's Duty: It suggests the king has a moral obligation to ensure the well-being of his kingdom, perhaps through wise decisions and providing for the people. A Test or Warning: The verse could be a warning – telling the messenger that if the king makes a poor choice, it will negatively impact the future of the kingdom. Important Note: This is a passage from an ancient text (the Bible) and often interpreted through a historical context. The exact meaning can be debated among scholars, but the core message about responsibility and the potential consequences of choices remains consistent. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of this passage. Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Discuss different possible interpretations? Provide context about the time period it was written in?