Definition: And [Benhadad] said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then [said Ahab], I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible passage together. It’s a pretty dramatic and complex story about a king and a prophet! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of Kings in the Old Testament. It describes a situation where King Ahab, a powerful ruler, is trying to get revenge on a prophet named Benadad. Ahab's Plan: Ahab wanted to punish Benadad for something he said – essentially, he wanted to make a big deal out of it. He decided to send Benadad away with a special agreement. The Covenant: To do this, Ahab made a formal agreement with Benadad. This agreement involved promising to restore the cities that were taken from King David’s (and therefore, Benadad's) father. The Return: Ahab then told Benadad to go and build streets in Damascus – a city near Jerusalem – as he had done in Samaria before. This was a symbolic act of power and control. Putting it all together - A simplified explanation: Ahab, feeling wronged by the prophet, wanted to punish him. He made a deal with Benadad, promising to return the cities that were taken from his father. As a result, Ahab sent Benadad away with a special agreement. Key Takeaways: Revenge and Power: This verse shows how power can lead to revenge and attempts at control. Divine Intervention: The prophet (Benadad) is seen as a figure of authority, and Ahab's actions are viewed as challenging that authority. Symbolic Actions: The return of the cities and the building of streets in Damascus isn’t just about physical things; it's a symbolic act of dominance and control. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning, and different interpretations exist among scholars. It’s often interpreted as a warning against arrogance and the dangers of seeking to dominate others through power and revenge. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (like when it happened)? Compare it to other stories with similar themes?