Definition: And David [was] then in the hold, and the Philistines’ garrison [was] then at Bethlehem.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 11:16. It’s a really important part of understanding why God was so disappointed with David. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, David was in a situation where he was being harassed and threatened by the Philistine garrison at Bethlehem. Let's unpack that: "And David [was] then in the hold..." – This is a bit tricky. "Hold" in this context isn’t a literal holding space like a ship. It means he was safely positioned or protected . He was being kept away from a potential attack. "...and the Philistine garrison [was] then at Bethlehem." – The “Philistine garrison” is a military unit stationed in Bethlehem, which was a significant city and a strategic location for the Philistines. So, what's the big picture? This verse highlights a pattern of David’s behavior that God saw as disrespectful and threatening to his relationship with God. It shows he wasn't always obedient to God's commands and was often involved in conflict. Why is this significant? It’s a reminder that even though David was a great king, he sometimes acted in ways that weren't pleasing to God – like being too independent or engaging in war without proper authorization. It also shows the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s will. In short: David was in a vulnerable position due to the Philistine garrison at Bethlehem, and this verse points to a period where his actions were causing trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament?