Definition: And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 22:27. It’s a really powerful and complex passage that speaks to a significant moment in King David’s life and the beginning of his downfall. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a very harsh and desperate punishment for someone who has betrayed God’s trust. It’s essentially saying, “You are punished severely; you will be exiled and forced to live in misery until I come back and restore my peace.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And say, Thus saith the king…” : This tells us who is speaking – King David. “…Put this [fellow] in the prison…” : This refers to someone who has disobeyed God and caused trouble. It’s a specific person, but it's important to understand that David was often involved in sin and wrongdoing. “…and feed him with bread of affliction…” : This is key. “Bread of affliction” isn’t just any food; it’s symbolic of hardship, suffering, and deprivation. It represents the pain and misery he will endure. Think of it like being starving – it’s a terrible experience. “…and with water of affliction…” : Again, this is symbolic. Water symbolizes repentance and cleansing. David was essentially being soaked in his own sin and shame. “…until I come in peace.” : This is the crucial part. It's not about punishment ending . Instead, it’s a promise that David’s punishment will be lifted when God returns to restore peace and justice. It suggests that God’s return will ultimately bring his own restoration and forgiveness. What does this verse mean in terms of context? David’s Sin: This verse is often interpreted as a direct consequence of David's rebellion against God – particularly his refusal to obey God's commands, like the Sabbath. God’s Justice: It shows that God is incredibly just and will not tolerate sin. He’s not simply punishing David; He’s bringing about a greater measure of justice for His people. Hope for Redemption: Even though this verse describes suffering, it also carries a message of hope. It suggests that God's return brings ultimate restoration and forgiveness – a chance for David to be reconciled with him. In short, this verse paints a picture of a king who caused immense pain to himself and others by disobeying God. God’s response is not just punishment; it’s a promise of eventual restoration and reconciliation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its significance within the larger story of David's life and fall?