Definition: And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when Judah (a region of Israel) was blessed with incredible wealth and prosperity – so much that they had “fenced cities” built, which is a fancy way of saying they were incredibly wealthy. But, God decided to give this wealth to his son, Jehoram, as the leader of the kingdom. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things…” – This refers to a huge amount of treasure. Think mountains of coins, jewels, and valuable objects. It suggests a time of abundance and celebration. “…and of precious things…” - This is a bit more specific – it's not just money, but also things like land, livestock, and other valuable possessions. “With fenced cities in Judah…” – This means that these wealthy people built large settlements (cities) within the region of Judah. It was a significant investment of resources and power. “…but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.” - This is the crucial part! God chose Jehoram, his son, as the leader of the kingdom. He essentially gave this wealth to him. The phrase "because he was the firstborn" means that Jehoram was chosen and given this opportunity because he was the most important and rightful heir to the throne. So, in short: Judah experienced a period of great prosperity due to the gifts of the king. But God chose his son, Jehoram, as the leader and entrusted him with this wealth, making him the new ruler of the kingdom. Why is this significant? This story highlights several important themes: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God has ultimate control over who leads and governs a nation. Divine Favor: It demonstrates that God's blessings are often given to those he chooses. Leadership & Responsibility: The verse emphasizes the importance of leadership and the responsibility that comes with power. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give you a bit more context about the history of Judah during this time? Explain what "fenced cities" mean? Discuss the symbolism behind the “firstborn” concept?