Definition: And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Benhadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:5. It's a really dramatic and unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is angry with King Solomon. He wants to take his riches – gold, silver, and wives – as a reward for his own glory. Benhadad, a servant of the gods, goes to Solomon and tells him that he’s asking for this wealth. What's Happening: Benhadad is pleading: He's begging Solomon to give him the riches. Solomon is refusing: Solomon turns away from Benhadad and says, "No, I will not." He’s deliberately rejecting this request. The Meaning – It's a Warning: This verse is a warning about the dangers of greed and arrogance. Here’s what it highlights: God’s Perspective: God sees Solomon as being consumed by his own desire for wealth, rather than focusing on serving Him and doing good. Pride & Hubris: The act of Benhadad pleading and Solomon's refusal shows that Solomon was becoming too proud or self-centered. He was prioritizing his own desires over the needs of others and God. A Test of Faith: It’s a test – a challenge to see if Solomon is truly willing to follow God's will, or whether he's driven by vanity and power. In short, this verse reminds us that true wealth isn't about material possessions, but about a righteous heart and serving God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from 1 Kings 20? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (like it being a warning about human pride)?