Definition: And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 King 17:20. It's a really difficult and emotionally charged passage, and it’s important to understand the context before we dive into the meaning. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: King David was in exile: The verse comes from a time when King David was living in distant lands, away from his kingdom and family. He’s experiencing hardship: David is facing a terrible crisis – he’s being attacked by enemies who are killing his sons. This is a devastating situation for him. A desperate plea: David is incredibly distraught. He's not just upset; he’s pleading with God to intervene and help him. What the Verse Says – The Core of the Problem: “And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?” “He cried unto the LORD…” : This means David was in a state of profound distress and despair. He was reaching out to God for help. “…and said…” : David wasn’t just lamenting; he was expressing his pain and asking a direct question. "...O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn?" This is the crucial part. "Sojourn" means he was traveling or wandering in exile. He was displaced from his home. The word “evil” here isn’t simply about physical harm; it refers to a deeper, spiritual malady – the loss of his sons and the suffering of his family. What it Means – A Complex Interpretation: This verse is incredibly symbolic and open to interpretation. There are several possible understandings, but here's a common one: Divine Punishment: The verse suggests that God is punishing David for a sin or transgression. The "evil" isn’t just physical harm; it's a spiritual consequence of his actions – perhaps a betrayal or a lack of righteousness. God's Justice: It highlights God’s justice and righteous anger against those who violate His laws and principles. A Moral Crisis: It speaks to the potential for moral failure in the face of adversity. David is grappling with a profound crisis of faith, questioning his own actions and being confronted with the consequences of his choices. Important Note: The context of this verse is incredibly important. It’s a moment of intense emotional turmoil. It wasn't simply about physical pain; it was deeply rooted in a spiritual problem. --- Resources for Further Exploration (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Kings/17/17](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Kings/17/17) - This page provides a good overview of the verse and its historical context. Insights Bible: [https://insightsbiblestudy.com/1-kings-17-20-meaning-and-interpretation/](https://insightsbiblestudy.com/1-kings-17-20-meaning-and-interpretation/) - This page offers a more detailed explanation and different perspectives on the verse's meaning. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Explore a specific interpretation of the verse (e.g., its connection to David’s fall)?