KJV ORIGINAL
Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Don't you know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom of Israel to David forever—to him and his descendants through an unbreakable covenant?
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is reminding his audience that God made an eternal promise to David's family line to rule over Israel.
📚 Historical Context
King Abijah of Judah is speaking to the army of northern Israel before a battle, reminding them of God's covenant with David. After Solomon's death, Israel split into two kingdoms—the northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah, ruled by David's descendants). A 'covenant of salt' referred to a permanent, unbreakable agreement in ancient times, as salt was used as a preservative.
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