Definition: And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 11:15. It’s a really powerful and troubling passage about betrayal and injustice. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where David, the King of Israel, allows a woman named Uriah to be placed at the front of a battle. She's a valuable soldier, and David is tempted by her beauty and affection. He lets her stay with the army, even though he knows she’s not loyal to him. What it says: “He wrote in the letter…” – This means that this was a recorded message, a letter David wrote down. “…saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle… retire ye from him…” - David instructed his scribe to tell Uriah to be placed at the front lines of the battle. He told her to leave with the army. "...and die." – This is the crucial part. David ordered that Uriah should die . Putting it together, here's what it’s saying: David was completely ruthless and selfish. He prioritized his own desires and comfort over the loyalty and well-being of his own people. He chose to let someone he wasn't truly trusted stay with him in a dangerous situation, knowing that she would ultimately lead to her death. The Message & Interpretation: This verse is a warning about: The dangers of prioritizing personal desires over loyalty and justice. It highlights how easily we can be tempted to make choices that harm others if it benefits us. The importance of faithfulness and trust. David’s actions demonstrate the consequences of betrayal and disrespecting God's word. Responsibility and accountability. David was responsible for the fate of his people, and he chose to allow a traitorous act to occur. Important Note: This story is a dramatic example from the Bible. It doesn’t necessarily mean David was intentionally evil. But it illustrates a pattern in history – leaders can sometimes make choices that lead to devastating consequences when their focus shifts away from true responsibility and justice. --- Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse? For example, we could: Discuss the context of the story in 2 Samuel. Explore the symbolism behind the image of the "hottest battle." Compare it to other examples of betrayal in the Bible?