Definition: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 9:37. It’s a pretty serious statement about the consequences of sin. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a ruler (we can assume this refers to King Hezekiah) has appointed someone to oversee a specific area – likely a city or region. But, because of the people's sins, this person is now gaining power and control over the lives of the people. They’re essentially becoming rulers over their own people, and they're doing so with a degree of authority that allows them to influence what happens to individuals – including their bodies and possessions. Let’s unpack it further: “And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us…” This means the ruler is benefiting from the actions of this person. The “yield” part suggests a positive outcome, but it's being used to highlight the negative. "...because of our sins:" This is the crucial part – the verse states that this benefit is due to the people’s sins. It’s not about the ruler’s good intentions; it’s because they have done wrong. “also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure…” This is a powerful statement. It means this person has significant control over the lives of individuals – including their physical well-being (their bodies) and their property (their livestock). They’re making decisions about what happens to people without any regard for their rights or fairness. “and we [are] in great distress.” This is the emotional consequence of this situation. The people are experiencing deep worry, fear, and a sense of being helpless because they've been wronged and their lives are under the control of those who were appointed by the ruler. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse paints a picture of a system where sin leads to power abuse. It’s a warning against corruption and the importance of accountability. It suggests that the people have been wronged, and they need to understand why and what steps they can take to regain their rightful place and protection. Important Note: The context of Nehemiah 9 is important. He's dealing with a situation where the people are rebelling against his rule, and this verse highlights the severity of their actions. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could delve deeper into: The specific type of sin that’s being referenced? The implications for the people's lives?