Definition: So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam [was] one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:13 together. It's a bit complex, but we can understand the core story. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem…” – This tells us that King Rehoboam was ruling and holding power in Jerusalem. He was feeling confident and strong. “…and reigned: for Rehoboam was one forty years old when he began to reign…” - Rehoboam became king at age 40. This is a significant point – it’s a long time to be king! “…and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel…” – This is the really important part. The Lord (God) chose Jerusalem specifically for him to rule. He was given this city as a special place. “And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess.” - This tells us about Rehoboam's mother. She was an Ammonite woman – a people who lived near the sea and were known for being somewhat difficult to deal with. She gave birth to him. In essence, this verse describes a period of strong, long rule by King Rehoboam in Jerusalem. It highlights his success, but it also introduces a bit of an interesting backstory about his mother – she was not just any ordinary woman! What’s the bigger picture? This story is part of a larger narrative about God's plan for Israel. The verse sets up a situation where Rehoboam becomes king and starts to make decisions that are not in line with what God wants for his people. It's a hint that there might be conflict to come, as the Lord’s will is being tested. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the significance of the story in a broader context (like the history of Israel)?