Definition: And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, [There is] nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 18:43. It's a really interesting passage about God’s judgment! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is sending a messenger to look at the sea. “And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea.” – This tells us that God has sent someone out to observe something. It's a command for him to be vigilant. “He went up, and looked…” - The messenger goes up to the sea. It’s a straightforward observation. “[There is] nothing.” – This is the crucial part. The messenger sees an empty ocean. There's no fish, no ships, no anything there. “And he said, Go again seven times.” - Because there’s nothing, God tells his servant to repeat his journey. It’s a test of faith and obedience. He needs to keep looking and searching. What's the big takeaway? This verse is about God’s unwavering judgment against those who are disrespectful or selfish. He isn't just punishing them; he's testing their devotion. It's a reminder that God sees everything, and even when things seem empty or meaningless, he will always watch over us. In essence, it's a call to be watchful and to show respect to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context for this passage within the larger story of the Book of Kings?