Definition: And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 2:36. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic verse from the Old Testament! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: King David is telling Shimei – a young man – to do something incredibly difficult and dangerous. He’s asking him to build a house in Jerusalem, and he's specifically instructing him to stay there permanently. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the king sent and called for Shimei…” : This means David, the King, asked his advisor, Shimei, to be sent out. “…and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem…” : David is giving Shimei a very specific task: He needs to build a large house in Jerusalem – which was the capital city of Israel at the time. “and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.” : This is the crucial part. David wants Shimei to live in that house, but he's forbidding him from leaving Jerusalem. He’s saying "don't leave this place." What does it mean? It suggests a serious warning. Historically, this verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and betrayal. David was facing opposition and challenges, and he needed to ensure his loyal servant would remain steadfast and not stray from his duty. It’s essentially saying: “Don't be tempted to leave your place or your responsibility; stay here and fulfill your role.” Context is Key: This verse appears in the Book of 1 Kings, after David has been exiled and facing significant adversity. It paints a picture of a king attempting to maintain control and ensure his people are safe. In short, this verse tells us that David was placing a strong requirement on Shimei – a permanent stay in Jerusalem. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story or biblical context?