Definition: Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 2 Kings 4:7 together. It's a really important passage about dealing with a serious problem. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Situation: A Woman is Having Trouble: We hear about a woman named “she” who is facing a difficult situation – she’s having trouble paying off her debts and keeping her family safe. She Brings the Message to God: She tells God, who then instructs her to take action. The Instructions are Clear: God says, "Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest." What it Means – A Simple Explanation: This verse is about responsible business . It's essentially a warning to someone who’s in deep trouble and needs to stop wasting resources. Here’s the breakdown: “Sell the oil” : Think of oil as a valuable commodity – something precious that can be used for many things. This means she needs to sell something to get money back. “Pay thy debt” : She owes a lot of money, and this is about fulfilling her financial obligations. “And live thou and thy children of the rest” : This is the crucial part. It means that if she doesn't pay her debts, her family will also suffer . This could mean hardship for everyone – maybe they’ll lose their homes or food. The Overall Message: It’s a message about responsibility and consequences . God isn't just punishing her; he’s showing her that her actions have repercussions. It highlights the importance of managing resources wisely and being accountable for what you do. Context is Key (A Little Background): This verse comes from a time when there was a lot of trouble in Israel, and God was looking after his people. It’s a reminder that even when things seem bleak, there's still hope and accountability. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this specific verse in more detail? Connect it to a bigger story or theme in the Bible?