Definition: And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 21:13 together. It’s a really important story about injustice and betrayal. Here's a simplified explanation: What happened? Naboth was a wealthy man: He was a powerful figure in the kingdom of Israel, known for his wealth and influence. Two men arrived: Two men named Belial came to meet Naboth. They were essentially accomplices – they were involved in the injustice that’s happening. They witnessed against him: These two men saw what happened and told others about it. They acted as witnesses, which is a key part of the story. They accused Naboth of blasphemy: This is the core of the problem. They said Naboth was acting in a way that God considers wrong – specifically, that he was speaking against God and the king. “Blasphemy” means something considered to be evil or offensive to God. They told the people: They publicly announced this accusation – they spoke it out to everyone in the city. They stoned him: Finally, they threw stones at Naboth. They attacked him with stones, and this is the tragic part - he died as a result of this violence. What does it mean? This story highlights several important themes: Corruption and Abuse of Power: It shows how power can be abused when people are allowed to act without regard for justice or God’s law. Naboth was unfairly deprived of his wealth, and those who were involved in the plot caused him immense suffering. The Importance of Justice: It emphasizes that God demands fairness and righteousness. When people lie against others and try to harm them, it's a violation of God's will. Consequences of Sin: Naboth’s death is a consequence of this injustice – he was killed because of the actions of those who conspired against him. In short, this story tells us that when people act unjustly and betray trust, it can lead to terrible consequences. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Naboth's wealth? Discuss the significance of the "witnesses" and their role?