Definition: And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 12:17. It's a really important and complex passage about David’s relationship with God and his responsibility to protect his people. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that David understood the gravity of his situation – he was being targeted by enemies – and he made a solemn promise to God, acknowledging potential wrongdoing while still maintaining a fundamental commitment to protecting his people. It's a moment of profound seriousness and self-awareness. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And David went out to meet them…” : This sets the scene – David is actively engaging with those who are trying to harm him. “…and answered and said unto them…” : David was speaking directly to the people he was facing. “If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me…” : He's welcoming them, offering assistance, and expressing a desire for cooperation. The word "peacefully" means willingly and with good intentions. “Mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands…” : This is the core of the verse. “My heart shall be knitted unto you” means David was deeply committed to their well-being and protection. However , the key phrase here is “seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands.” This suggests he's acknowledging a potential possibility that he might be involved in something harmful or wrong. “the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].” : This is where it gets really significant. “The God of our fathers” refers to God’s covenant with the Israelites – their people, who were promised protection and a future. "Look thereon" means to examine or consider something carefully. “Rebuke it” means to judge or correct something. So, what does this all mean? David is acknowledging that he’s being targeted by enemies. He's offering help but also recognizing the possibility of wrongdoing on his part. He’s essentially saying: "I am willing to cooperate with you, but if I become involved in actions that harm you, I will accept God’s judgment and seek His protection." Why is this important? This verse speaks to several important themes: Responsibility: David understood he had a responsibility to protect his people. Divine Justice: It highlights the idea that God sees all things and will ultimately judge those who violate His promises. Trust in God’s Will: It demonstrates faith and reliance on God's plan, even when facing difficult challenges. In short, it’s a powerful statement about David’s commitment to his people, acknowledging potential risk while upholding his divine purpose. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text. Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period when this verse was written? Discuss its significance within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?