Definition: And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this fascinating verse from Matthew 1:7! It's a really interesting piece of storytelling that points to a significant development in the history of Israel. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that Solomon, the King of Israel, had two sons – Roboam and Abia – who were both incredibly intelligent and skilled. These sons were both created by Solomon! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Solomon begat Roboam…” - This means Solomon conceived a son named Roboam. “…and Roboam begat Abia…” – This means Roboam's son, Abia, was born to Solomon. “…and Abia begat Asa…” – This is the crucial part! Abia’s son, Asa, was born to Abia. So, the whole verse says: Solomon had two sons, Roboam and Abia, who were both created by him. Why is this significant? This story is a bit of a mystery – it's not explicitly stated how these children were conceived. It’s often interpreted as a symbolic representation of God’s plan for the future of Israel. Here’s what some people believe it means: God's Plan: The verse suggests that God is working in a planned way, using two individuals to fulfill a larger purpose. A Foundation for Faith: The story of Roboam and Abia might be seen as a foundation – a beginning point for the future faithfulness and wisdom of Israel. It’s important to note: It's a very old and mysterious passage! We don't have a clear explanation of how these children were conceived. This is one of the oldest and most debated stories in the Bible. In short, this verse describes a chain of creation that points to God’s plan for Israel's future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Or perhaps delve deeper into the symbolism behind it?