Sirach 47:21 refers to the consequences of Solomon's sins, specifically his allowing the worship of foreign gods. It's speaking about the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death. Let's break down the verse:
"So that the sovereignty was divided..." This is the central point. The unified kingdom that David and Solomon had built was split apart. The word "sovereignty" here refers to the kingdom and the king's supreme power.
"And out of Ephraim ruled a disobedient kingdom." This points to the northern kingdom of Israel, which was largely comprised of the tribe of Ephraim (though it also included other tribes). After the split, this northern kingdom became known for its disobedience to God and its consistent idolatry. "Disobedient" refers to the fact that the Kingdom of Israel frequently did not obey God's laws, worshipped idols, and didn't follow the line of David.
In Summary:
The verse means that Solomon's failings led to the division of the kingdom of Israel into two. The northern kingdom, dominated by the tribe of Ephraim, was a "disobedient kingdom" because it repeatedly turned away from God and disobeyed his laws. This division and the subsequent disobedience were seen as a punishment for Solomon's sins.
Historical Context:
After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam became king. He refused to lighten the heavy burden of taxation and forced labor that Solomon had imposed. This led to a rebellion by the northern tribes, who chose Jeroboam as their king. Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to Jerusalem (which was in the southern kingdom) to worship in the Temple, established his own centers of worship with golden calves. This act of idolatry, and subsequent similar acts by later kings of the northern kingdom, is what defines the northern kingdom as "disobedient" in the eyes of the biblical writers.
Therefore, the verse serves as a theological explanation for the historical event of the divided kingdom. It is a consequence of sin and a warning against disobedience to God.
Sirach 47:21 refers to the consequences of Solomon's sins, specifically his allowing the worship of foreign gods. It's speaking about the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death. Let's break down the verse:
"So that the sovereignty was divided..." This is the central point. The unified kingdom that David and Solomon had built was split apart. The word "sovereignty" here refers to the kingdom and the king's supreme power.
"And out of Ephraim ruled a disobedient kingdom." This points to the northern kingdom of Israel, which was largely comprised of the tribe of Ephraim (though it also included other tribes). After the split, this northern kingdom became known for its disobedience to God and its consistent idolatry. "Disobedient" refers to the fact that the Kingdom of Israel frequently did not obey God's laws, worshipped idols, and didn't follow the line of David.
In Summary:
The verse means that Solomon's failings led to the division of the kingdom of Israel into two. The northern kingdom, dominated by the tribe of Ephraim, was a "disobedient kingdom" because it repeatedly turned away from God and disobeyed his laws. This division and the subsequent disobedience were seen as a punishment for Solomon's sins.
Historical Context:
After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam became king. He refused to lighten the heavy burden of taxation and forced labor that Solomon had imposed. This led to a rebellion by the northern tribes, who chose Jeroboam as their king. Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to Jerusalem (which was in the southern kingdom) to worship in the Temple, established his own centers of worship with golden calves. This act of idolatry, and subsequent similar acts by later kings of the northern kingdom, is what defines the northern kingdom as "disobedient" in the eyes of the biblical writers.
Therefore, the verse serves as a theological explanation for the historical event of the divided kingdom. It is a consequence of sin and a warning against disobedience to God.