Definition: In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, [that] when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 5:18. It’s a really interesting passage about God’s grace and protection! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God protecting someone who is being treated badly – essentially, being used as a servant or tool. It describes a situation where the ruler (Rimmon) is visiting a place of worship, and the servant is bowing down to him. God then promises to protect that servant even when Rimmon is in charge. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “In this thing…” : This refers to a specific situation happening right now. “…the LORD pardon thy servant…” : This means God is forgiving or letting someone off the hook. It's not about punishment, but about being spared from trouble. “[that] when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there…” : This is a key part – Rimmon is a ruler (likely a king or leader) who is visiting a temple. He’s going to pray and worship God. The “go into the house” suggests he’s going to be in a place of religious importance. “and he leaneth on my hand…” : This is a symbolic way of saying Rimmon is using him as support or assistance. It’s like he’s relying on him for something. “I bow myself in the house of Rimmon…” : This means the servant is humbly lowering himself, showing respect and obedience to Rimmon. “…the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing…” : This is the crucial part – God is actively forgiving or protecting him because he’s bowing down to Rimmon. What does it mean practically? It suggests that God sees a good person (the servant) and wants to protect them, even when someone else is in charge and potentially using them. It's about recognizing and valuing the person, rather than just focusing on their usefulness to another. Overall Significance: This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty – his power and control over everything – but also highlights His mercy and protection. It’s a reminder that even when things seem unfair or difficult, God is always watching over us and will intervene to protect those who are worthy of it. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss the possible context of this story within the larger narrative of 2 Kings?