Definition: And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Kings 4:36 together. It’s a really tough situation for King David and it’s a bit complicated to fully understand, but we can get the core message. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: King David was having a serious problem with his wife, Bathsheba. She was having an affair with Gehazi, a man who was a shepherd and a friend of David's. This was causing immense pain and sadness to David. David’s Anger & Command: David was incredibly angry and frustrated. He felt betrayed and humiliated. He essentially demanded that Gehazi be called "Shunammite" – which means “a woman who has a son.” This was a harsh command, a way for him to punish Gehazi. The Action: David then proceeded to take the newborn child (the Shunammite) and call her – meaning he gave her a name. Let’s unpack what this means metaphorically: “Call this Shunammite” : This isn't just about giving her a name; it’s about acknowledging her as a woman who has a son. It signifies David recognizing her as a person, even though he was hurting and angry with her. “So he called her” : He essentially treated her like an object – a possession to be used. This highlights the immense pain and suffering he experienced because of this situation. The Significance & Interpretation (This is where it gets deeper): David’s Pride: The passage illustrates David’s pride and his inability to handle his emotions constructively. He lashed out at someone who was simply being kind and gentle, instead of addressing the root of the problem. Lack of Compassion: It shows a lack of empathy and consideration for others. David wasn't thinking about how his actions might affect others, only on his own anger. The Importance of Reconciliation: This verse hints at the possibility that reconciliation could be possible. While David was angry, he ultimately chose to treat the child with kindness – a crucial step in trying to heal the situation and potentially find peace. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly explain why David acted this way. It's a moment of intense emotional turmoil. However, it serves as a warning about the dangers of anger, pride, and failing to show compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of David and Bathsheba? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories or teachings?