Definition: And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants [be] in Gath.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 2:39. It’s a bit complex, but here's the gist: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a situation that happened after King David’s death and during the reign of King Shimei. Two servants of Shimei – one named Shimei and the other named Meleioseb – decided to flee to Gath, a city in southern Israel. They told King Shimei that their servants were in Gath. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass at the end of three years…” : This tells us this happened after a period of time – three years – which is significant because it’s a long time for a king to be away from his kingdom. “…that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath.” : This identifies the people who fled. They are the servants of Shimei, and they're going to King Achish. “And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants [be] in Gath.” This is the crucial part. They’re telling Shimei that their servants are actually already in Gath. The word “be” here is a little tricky – it means "are" or "exist." It suggests they've already been there and are now claiming to be there. What does this mean? This is a significant moment because: It’s a challenge to Shimei: Shimei was King of Gath, a neighboring kingdom. He was a powerful and somewhat rebellious ruler. This verse shows that his servants were actively planning something – they were secretly working in another place. It sets the stage for conflict: It’s likely this act of rebellion is connected to Shimei's desire to gain power and independence from David's kingdom. His servants were essentially plotting against David. In essence, this verse describes a betrayal – two servants of King Shimei fleeing to Gath, with the intention of challenging his authority. --- Important Note: The word "be" is important here. It’s not just about existence . It suggests they've been there and are actively involved in something. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide a historical context? Discuss the significance of this event within the Bible?