Definition: Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this [fellow] hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that [pertained] unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 25:21. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex passage about David’s actions and how he handled a situation with a man named Ishmael. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Ishmael was a thief: The verse starts by saying that Ishmael had taken something from David – things belonging to him, like food and possessions. David was upset: David wasn't happy about this theft. He felt it was unfair and that he deserved more than what Ishmael got. David took action: He then decided to repay Ishmael for his wrongdoing. What the Verse Says in Plain Language: “Now David had said, ‘Surely in vain have I kept all that this [fellow] hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that [pertained] unto him: and he hath requitted me evil for good.’” Let’s unpack that a little: "Now David had said..." This tells us we’re talking about a moment in time when David was thinking deeply about this situation. "...this [fellow] hath taken all that [pertained] unto him…" This means Ishmael took things belonging to David . He stole and possessed things. "so that nothing was missed of all that [pertained] unto him:" This is the key part. David wasn't just returning the stolen items; he was ensuring everything that Ishmael had taken was returned to him. It’s like saying "I'm making sure you get back everything you took." "and he hath requitted me evil for good." This is where it gets a bit more complicated. “Requitted” means to pay back or make amends. David wasn't just giving Ishmael back the stolen items; he was paying him back for the harm he caused. The "evil for good" part suggests that David was essentially punishing Ishmael for his wrongdoings and, in a way, making it right by returning what had been taken. What’s the Big Takeaway? This verse is about justice and balance. It highlights David's character: he’s not just angry; he’s willing to take action to correct wrongs. He understands that sometimes, taking a little "evil" for good (returning what was taken) is the right thing to do. It’s important to note: The Bible often uses figurative language here. It's not always about a literal return of items. The verse points towards a deeper moral lesson about fairness and repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an analogy or example related to it? Explore the context of this passage within the larger story of David's life?