Definition: [There was] then no king in Edom: a deputy [was] king.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising one from the Book of 1 Kings! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Background: After the death of King Solomon, the Israelites were divided into two groups – the descendants of Israel and the descendants of Judah. They had a long-standing rivalry with each other. The Problem: The Israelites wanted to reclaim the land that was part of their ancestors’ territory. They believed they deserved it more than the people living there. God's Intervention: God, in his anger and disappointment with the Israelites, decided to punish them. He chose a specific man named Jehoram as king of Edom. What the Verse Says: “1 Kings 22:47 [There was] then no king in Edom: a deputy [was] king.” "There was..." : This means that before this happened, there wasn’t a king in Edom. It was a situation where there wasn't a ruler. "...a deputy [was] king." : God appointed Jehoram (a young man from Edom) as the king of Edom. What it Means - A Bit More Insight: This verse is a bit mysterious, and it’s been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It's often seen as: A punishment for Israel's rebellion: Some believe God was punishing them for their constant conflict with Judah. A sign of divine judgment: It’s also viewed as a way for God to show that he is watching over his people and that he doesn't tolerate injustice. Important Note: The exact reason why God chose Jehoram is not entirely clear in the Bible. However, it’s generally understood to be a consequence of the Israelites’ actions and a demonstration of God’s displeasure. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse happened? Discuss the context surrounding this event in 1 Kings? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?