KJV ORIGINAL
And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Worthless troublemakers gathered around him and made themselves strong against Rehoboam, Solomon's son. When Rehoboam was young and gentle-hearted, he couldn't stand up to them.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse describes how bad influences took advantage of a young, inexperienced king who was too gentle to resist their pressure.
📚 Historical Context
This verse refers to the division of Israel's kingdom after Solomon's death around 930 BC. Rehoboam inherited the throne but lost the northern tribes to Jeroboam due to his harsh policies influenced by younger advisors. The 'vain men' and 'children of Belial' likely refers to the rebellious leaders who supported Jeroboam's revolt against Rehoboam's rule.
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