Definition: And this womanâs child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 3:19. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about a woman and her child. Here’s what it essentially means, explained simply: The Core Story: This verse comes from the story of King Solomon’s jealousy and his desperate attempt to take the wife of the High Priest, Abiathar, as his wife. It's a dramatic moment in the Bible that highlights his intense anger and possessiveness. What happened? Abiathar's wife, a woman named “woman,” was pregnant. Solomon, consumed by jealousy, covered her child with a shroud (a burial cloth). This is the crucial part. The Meaning – It’s About Intense Jealousy & Obsession: Jealousy as a Catalyst: The verse isn't just about covering a baby; it’s about Solomon’s overwhelming jealousy. He obsessedively wanted to have her. This intense emotion is the driving force behind his action. Overlaid – A Symbol of Obsession: "Overlaid" is a key word. It suggests that Solomon wasn't simply covering the baby; he was completely and utterly consumed by his desire. He was essentially wrapping her life, her future, in his own obsessive thoughts and feelings. It’s like a suffocating blanket of emotion. A Loss of Innocence: The image of this woman being covered symbolizes a loss of innocence and purity. It represents a painful and destructive obsession that consumes someone. Why is it important? This verse is significant because it illustrates the dangers of unchecked jealousy and obsessive thoughts. It’s a warning against letting anger and possessiveness control our lives and our actions. It speaks to the idea that intense emotions can sometimes lead us to do terrible things. In short, this verse tells us about a moment of extreme jealousy that resulted in a devastating act – covering a baby with a shroud. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Solomon’s life? Explore what this verse might symbolize more broadly (like jealousy, obsession, or heartbreak)?