Definition: The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him [pertained] Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 4:10. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising detail about how the king of Hepher was chosen. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a very unusual and strategically important appointment for the king. Here's a breakdown of each part: “1 Kings 4:10” : This refers to a specific passage from the Book of Kings – a particular chapter or section. It’s a key moment in history. “The son of Hesed…” : This is crucial. “Hesed” means kindness, gentleness, mercy, and favor . It's a Hebrew word that describes a very positive and loving quality. So, "the son of Hesed" refers to a king who was known for his incredibly generous and compassionate rule. “…in Aruboth…” : Aruboth is a place in the ancient Near East – a large island off the coast of modern-day Israel. It’s described as a significant location, perhaps for trade or agriculture. “to him [pertained] Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:” This is where it gets really interesting. "Sochoh" means the whole land – meaning the entire territory of Hepher (the city-state). This verse says that this king was specifically appointed to be the ruler of all of Hepher. Putting it all together: The king was chosen to rule over Hepher, not just a small part of it, but the entire land. This suggests a very powerful and benevolent leader who prioritized the well-being of his people. It's a statement of deep faith and responsibility. Why is this significant? This story highlights several things: Divine Favor: It shows that God has a personal interest in His people, even choosing to appoint a ruler with such a loving disposition. Leadership & Responsibility: The king was given a tremendous amount of power – the authority to govern an entire nation. A Focus on the People: The emphasis is on the land itself, demonstrating that the king’s focus wasn't just on his own power but on the prosperity and happiness of everyone within His domain. In short, this verse tells us that a king was chosen to rule over a vast region – Hepher – with a deep commitment to kindness and generosity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?