Definition: And he brought out the people that [were] in it, and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 20:3. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about David’s actions and the consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a very forceful and brutal act of destruction by David. He wasn't just hitting things; he was actively dismantling and obliterating cities. Let's unpack each part: "And he brought out the people that [were] in it..." – This means David started surveying and assessing a large area, likely a city or collection of settlements. He was looking at what needed to be taken care of. "...and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes." – This is the key part. He used tools – saws (like a saw blade), heavy iron stakes (harrows), and axes – to destroy everything he surveyed. It’s like he was systematically dismantling buildings, roads, and anything else in his path. "Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon." – This is incredibly important. He didn't just focus on one city; he targeted all the cities within the Ammonite territory (a group of neighboring kingdoms). This shows a huge, deliberate and aggressive campaign. "And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem." – Finally, after his destruction, David and the entire nation returned to Jerusalem. It’s a significant turning point – he was essentially abandoning the area he destroyed. What's the Significance? This verse is often seen as a symbol of: David’s Rise to Power: It highlights David’s growing power and ambition, moving beyond being a shepherd boy into a king who could make significant decisions and take decisive action. Divine Judgment: It suggests that God's judgment can be swift and severe when people act in defiance of His will. David’s actions were seen as a challenge to God’s authority. In short, this verse describes a period of intense destruction orchestrated by David as a consequence of his rebellion against God. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail (e.g., why it's significant)? Provide a slightly different perspective on the meaning?