Definition: Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 12:11. It's a really difficult and shocking passage, so we need to understand it carefully. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.” Here’s a breakdown of what it means, broken down into simpler parts: “Thus saith the LORD…” : This is a dramatic opening – it's the voice of God speaking. “Behold, I will raise up evil against thee…” : This is the core of the verse. God is saying he’s going to actively harm David. “Evil” doesn't necessarily mean malicious intent, but rather a deliberate act of causing trouble and suffering. “…out of thine own house…” : This is crucial. God isn't just randomly attacking David; it's happening within his family . It’s about a betrayal of trust and a specific event that caused the pain. “and I will take thy wives before thine eyes…” : David’s wife, Bathsheba, is being targeted. She’s being taken away from him. This isn’t just a casual disappearance; it's a deliberate act of taking her. “and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.” : This is where it gets really unsettling. God is saying that his own neighbour , David’s neighbor named Absalom, will have a sexual relationship with David's wives. He will be seen in public . “This sun” symbolizes the light and visibility – making it clear to everyone what’s happening. What’s the message behind this? This verse is a very harsh condemnation of David’s sin – his adultery with Bathsheba. It's a moment of profound despair and judgment from God. It highlights: The consequences of betrayal: The verse emphasizes that God's wrath is directed at those who betray trust. The seriousness of sin: It portrays the act as deeply wrong and damaging, not just for David but also for his family. God’s justice: It shows that God isn't just concerned with punishing David; He’s actively working to restore order and protect His people through His judgment. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage, and it’s important to remember that it was written in a time of great suffering. The context of the story – David’s sin and subsequent punishment – is crucial for understanding its meaning. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one perspective, not necessarily the definitive or only interpretation. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?