Definition: And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:5. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage! Here's the simple explanation: “And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.” What does it really mean? Basically, this verse tells us about a moment of intense anger and regret in David. Here’s a breakdown: “It came to pass afterward…” : This sets up the story as something that happened after a previous event. It's not the whole story, just a specific part of it. “…that David’s heart smote him” : David was feeling incredibly angry and upset. His heart – his emotions – were being tormented. "Smote" means to severely hurt or torment. “because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.” : This is the key part! Saul was King of Israel at the time, and David was a close friend of his. David cut off Saul's skirt. A skirt is a piece of fabric worn on the lower body. This action – cutting off something that belonged to someone – was incredibly significant. So, what does this story teach us? It’s a powerful example of repentance and forgiveness. David was showing remorse for his actions. He recognized he’d done something wrong and took responsibility for it. This verse suggests that: Even mistakes can be forgiven: It highlights the possibility of redemption, even after wrongdoing. Forgiveness is possible: It shows that David was willing to admit his mistake and seek forgiveness, which is a crucial part of being human. Important Note: This story is often interpreted as a warning against revenge. However, it's more about acknowledging guilt and seeking reconciliation rather than escalating into violence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this specific verse in more detail?