Definition: And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 25:13. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of King David’s early military strategy! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David was preparing for a major battle against the Philistines, who were a powerful people and often attacked Israel. He instructed his men to arm them with swords – basically, they were ready for combat. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And David said unto his men…” : This tells us that David was giving instructions to his soldiers. “…Gird ye on every man his sword.” : This is the key part! He told them to put a sword on each person. It’s like they were all prepared for battle, ready to defend themselves. “And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword:…” : This means they took the time to carefully secure their swords. They weren't just tossing them around – they made sure each one was firmly attached. “…and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.” : This tells us how many soldiers were involved. There were roughly 400 men who were part of the army, and 200 people stayed behind to help with supplies, food, and other necessities. “The stuff” likely refers to the camp itself – their base of operations. What's the Significance? This passage is often interpreted as a sign that David was preparing for a significant battle . It suggests a level of seriousness and preparedness he wasn’t normally showing. It speaks to his growing power and his desire to be ready for conflict. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage has been debated by scholars for centuries, and there's still some mystery surrounding it! It's a snapshot of a pivotal moment in David’s early career. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel? Discuss the potential interpretations of this passage?