Definition: But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 2:7. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage about King David and his relationship with the people of Gilead. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about David showing compassion to the people of Gilead, who were under exile from Jerusalem due to Absalom’s rebellious behavior. It’s a crucial moment where David establishes a connection and offers them a place at his table. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite..." – This is the key part. "Barzillai the Gileadite" refers to a group of people living in Gilead, a region near Jerusalem that was under exile. “Show kindness” means being generous and helpful to them. "...and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother." – This is where it gets interesting. "Eat at thy table" means to share food, to participate in his life. “Absalom thy brother” was David’s younger brother who had rebelled against him and led the people of Gilead into exile. David, recognizing their need, offered them a place at his table. So, what does it all mean? This verse highlights several important points: David's Compassion: It shows David’s deep concern for his exiled people. He wasn’t just letting them live in the shadows; he was actively offering them a chance to be part of his life and community. Forgiveness & Reconciliation: It suggests that David recognized that Absalom's actions had led to exile, and he chose to offer forgiveness and reconciliation. He wasn’t holding a grudge; he wanted to create a connection with these people. A Shift in Power: This act of kindness was a strategic move for David. It allowed him to gather information about the situation without being detected by Absalom, who was actively plotting against him. In short, this verse is a story of forgiveness, generosity, and a willingness to connect with people even when things were difficult. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?