Definition: And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and [that] all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 2:15. It’s a really important passage about God’s relationship with Israel and how He chooses to rule over them. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s plan for the future of Israel – specifically, He wants to rule over them. But instead of simply imposing His will, God is choosing to share this role with someone else, and that person is… well, it’s a bit surprising! Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And he said…” : This sets up the context – God is speaking. “…Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine…” : This means God already had a kingdom – a powerful and significant rule over Israel, which had been established before. "...and [that] all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign:” : This is the key part! God says, “I want to rule over this nation.” The phrase "set their faces on me" means they are looking up to him as their leader and ruler. They're acknowledging His authority and recognizing Him as the one who will lead. "...howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s:" : This is where it gets interesting. “Turned about” means he’s changing his plans. The kingdom – that powerful rule – is changing . It’s becoming something else. “My brother’s” refers to a specific person, likely King David, who God has chosen to be His representative and ruler. "for it was his from the LORD." : This is crucial! God says this change happened because the original leader, King David, had a special relationship with Him – he received divine guidance and instruction that shaped his rule. It’s as if He's choosing to share the rule with someone who understands His will better. In simpler terms: God is choosing to share the leadership of Israel with King David, not as a ruler himself, but as a partner . He wants to be involved in their destiny and guide them, just like he guided David before. Why is this important? This verse speaks to several key themes: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of everything, even when it seems chaotic or difficult. Divine Guidance: It highlights the importance of listening to God's wisdom and understanding His plans. Relationship with Leaders: It demonstrates a relationship between God and those He chooses to lead, emphasizing that leadership isn’t just about power but also about being guided by divine will. Overall: It's a beautiful illustration of how God works with his people, rather than simply controlling them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes? Give you some examples of how this passage applies to modern life?