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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 21 - Verse 10

21:10
And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

Meaning

In this verse, two men are set up to falsely accuse someone of blasphemy against God and the king. The term "sons of Belial" refers to wicked or worthless individuals. This action was carried out with the intent to have the accused person stoned to death. This verse highlights the severity of false accusations and the consequences that can result from them. It serves as a warning against bearing false witness and the importance of integrity in delivering justice. The act of stoning was a common form of punishment in ancient times, and it was carried out publicly as a deterrent for others. This verse also sheds light on the power dynamics of the time, as blasphemy against God and the king was considered a grave offense. Overall, this verse underscores the themes of justice, consequences, and the importance of truth in the eyes of God and society.

Theological Overview

In the verse from 1 Kings 21:13, we encounter the term "sons of Belial," which refers to wicked or lawless men in the Bible. The Hebrew word "Belial" is used in various biblical texts to describe those who are evil, corrupt, or worthless. In this specific context, these men were falsely accusing Naboth of blasphemy, a serious offense in Jewish law. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of injustice and abuse of power. These two men, motivated by greed and malice, sought to frame Naboth for a crime he did not commit in order to seize his vineyard. Their actions reflect the broader biblical narrative of the consequences of dishonesty and exploitation. The callous disregard for truth and justice depicted in this verse serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of deception and oppression.

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