Definition: And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 21:19. It's a really powerful and dramatic verse that speaks about injustice and retribution. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse comes after King Ahab, a powerful ruler of Israel, unjustly confiscated the wealth of a wealthy merchant named Naboth’s land. Ahab then used this situation to fuel his anger and ultimately, to orchestrate a devastating plot against him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt speak unto him…” - This is King Ahab directly addressing God, acknowledging that he’s in violation of His will. “…saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?” - This is the core of the verse. It's a direct accusation: Did Ahab actually kill Naboth? And has he now taken possession of his land? “And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” – This is a horrific and symbolic statement. It’s like a terrifying prophecy: “Even your blood will be stained by this injustice. You will suffer the consequences of your actions.” What does it mean? This verse paints a vivid picture of unjust revenge. It's not just about Ahab taking Naboth’s land; it's about the act of taking it and then using that act as a way to punish him. The phrase "dogs licking the blood" is a very strong metaphor – it symbolizes the complete and utter destruction and suffering caused by Ahab's actions. Overall Significance: This verse highlights several important themes: Divine Justice: It emphasizes God’s absolute authority and his right to judge those who violate His laws. The Consequences of Sin: It shows that sin will always have a consequence, and those who wrong others will face the full weight of their actions. The Power of God's Wrath: The verse suggests that God is not just concerned with punishing Ahab but with unleashing His wrath upon anyone who commits injustice. In short, this passage warns against seeking to harm or oppress others, and it underscores the idea that God will hold those accountable for their wrongdoings. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss the historical context of this event?