Definition: Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: [but] in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and dramatic passage from 1 Kings 21. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very serious situation with King Ahab – a powerful king who was trying to trick God into punishing Israel. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me?” - This is asking us to understand what Ahab was doing. He was making himself look small and subservient, like a supplicant begging for forgiveness. He was trying to provoke God's anger. “because he humbleth himself before me…” – This is the key point. Ahab wasn’t just being polite; he was actively disrespecting God. He was trying to manipulate and control God, rather than worship Him. “I will not bring the evil in his days:” - This is a promise from God. God has decided that Ahab's behavior will lead to trouble and disaster for him and his family. “[but] in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.” – This is where it gets really significant. The verse changes direction. God promises to punish Ahab’s descendants (his sons) with severe consequences. It's not just about Ahab himself, but about his entire family line. It suggests that Ahab's actions will have a lasting and devastating impact on his family. In simpler terms: Ahab was trying to trick God and get angry. But God is going to punish him and his family with terrible consequences – it’s not just about him anymore; it’s about the whole line of his descendants. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights a few important themes: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control and doesn't give in to human attempts to provoke Him. The Consequences of Sin: It’s a warning about the potential for sin and disobedience to lead to suffering. Divine Justice: It speaks to God's justice – He will hold accountable those who disrespect His authority. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story that involves Ahab’s attempts to defy God and his family’s downfall. It's a pivotal moment in the book of Kings. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible? Discuss what it might mean for us today?