Definition: And they said, [It is] false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 9:12. It’s a really significant passage in the Bible, and it's packed with meaning! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse comes after King David is being punished for his sins – specifically, he was tricked into abandoning his son. God is essentially saying, “David, you were a great king, but you messed up badly. Now, you need to be recognized as the rightful ruler of Israel.” What’s Happening in the Verse: “And they said, [It is] false; tell us now.” – This is a question from those around David, who are trying to understand why God is punishing him. They're skeptical and want to know if this is really happening. “And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD…” – This is where it gets deeper. The King (David) directly addresses God. He’s giving God a clear statement: “This is what I’m telling you.” The Core Message - It's about Divine Authority: The key part of this verse is the phrase "Thus and thus spake he to me." It means the King spoke with absolute certainty and conviction. He wasn’t just offering an opinion; he was declaring something undeniably true by God. He knows what God wants him to do. What it Means – A Powerful Statement: This verse is a statement of divine authority. It's like saying, “God has made this decision, and I am obeying that decision.” Here’s what it implies: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control of everything. He doesn’t make decisions for us; he chooses who leads. Divine Right to Rule: God has the authority to rule over Israel, and David is now recognized as that ruler. Trusting in God: It encourages us to trust in God’s plan even when things seem unfair or confusing. In short, this verse tells us that God has chosen David to be King of Israel, and he’s giving him the authority to do so. --- To help me explain it further, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better about this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its significance in the Bible, or its meaning for today?)