KJV ORIGINAL
I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
I advise you to obey the king's commands, especially because of the sacred oath you made before God.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is advising people to honor their commitments to earthly authorities because they made those promises before God.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, loyalty to kings was often sealed with sacred oaths made in God's name, making disobedience not just political rebellion but a violation of one's word before God. The Teacher (traditionally Solomon) understood the complex relationship between divine authority and human government. This advice comes during a time when breaking oaths to rulers could result in severe punishment or death.
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