Definition: And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou [it] somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little [finger] shall be thicker than my father’s loins.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 10:10. It’s a really interesting and complex passage about leadership and fairness. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Situation: King David was facing a rebellion led by a group of young men who were demanding more lenient treatment for the Israelites. They were making it easier for the people to obey them, essentially giving them less responsibility. This was causing trouble and unrest. What the Verse Says – It's a Plea for Fairness: The verse is a direct response from these young men. They’re saying: “We understand you want to be lenient with us. But we deserve a little more fairness, just like our father’s shoulders are a bit thicker than his.” Let's unpack the imagery: “Spake unto him” : This means they were speaking directly to David. “Thus shalt thou answer…” : They were giving him an instruction – a response to what he was saying. “Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou [it] somewhat lighter for us...” : This is the key. "Yoke" refers to the burdens and responsibilities the Israelites faced under David’s rule. He was making it difficult for them. Now, they're asking him to slightly lighten that burden. "...thus shalt thou say unto them, My little [finger] shall be thicker than my father’s loins." : This is the most powerful image. It’s a metaphor comparing the Israelites’ situation to a child’s finger. “My father’s loins” represent the strength and authority of David's rule - his power and responsibility. The "finger" is thicker – meaning more difficult, burdened, and requiring greater effort. The Overall Meaning: David was pleading with these young men that they should not continue to make things easier for the Israelites. They need to acknowledge the burden of their leadership and strive to be fairer in their treatment of the people. It's a call for humility and recognizing that leaders have a responsibility to balance fairness with the demands of their position. In short, this verse is about recognizing that good leadership isn’t just about being strong; it’s also about fairness and understanding the needs of those you lead. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context a bit more deeply? Connect this passage to other stories or biblical themes?