Definition: Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 13:26. It's a really interesting and complex verse that touches on themes of idolatry, leadership, and societal impact. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how Solomon’s reign – his time as king of Israel – was complicated by some strange and potentially sinful behavior. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Nehemiah 13:26” : This refers to a specific event in the book of Nehemiah, which tells about Solomon’s rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem after his exile. “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?” - This is the core question. It's asking if Solomon acted in a way that was morally wrong or rebellious against God. “yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God…” : This sets up a contrast. Before Solomon, Israel had kings – powerful rulers who were worshiped and obeyed God. But after Solomon, there was no king like him. This king was seen as highly favored by God, which meant he was doing things that were considered sacred and righteous. “and God made him king over all Israel…” : This confirms the king was indeed appointed to rule over the entire nation of Israel. “yet nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.” – This is where it gets interesting. The verse describes a specific action by some women that caused trouble, and it’s not a simple, straightforward story. It says that these women were actively encouraging sinful behavior among the people. Putting it all together - What's the message? The verse suggests that Solomon's reign wasn't perfect. He was powerful, and God had made him king over all Israel. But there was a problem: some women were contributing to a culture of sin through their encouragement of inappropriate behavior. Important Considerations & Context: It’s about societal influence: This verse isn’t really about Solomon being a bad person. It's more about the influence of his leadership and the potential for things to go wrong when power is combined with temptation or unhealthy influences. The “outlandish women” : The exact nature of these women’s actions is debated by historians and biblical scholars. Some interpretations suggest they were involved in practices like idolatry or sexually suggestive behavior, which are generally considered negative. In essence, the verse highlights a potential danger of unchecked power combined with harmful influences – that even a powerful leader can be susceptible to temptation. --- Disclaimer: I’ve provided this explanation based on common interpretations of biblical passages. Different scholars and theologians may offer varying perspectives. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Nehemiah? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage?