Definition: For thou didst [it] secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 12:12. It’s a really important and complex passage in the Bible, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about David’s betrayal of his friend Jonathan. It's saying that David did something he shouldn’t have, but he'll do it publicly and before everyone – even the sun! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For thou didst [it] secretly…” - This is where it gets tricky. “It” refers to a specific action David took. The exact nature of that action isn't explicitly stated, but it involves a deliberate act of deceit and possibly a violation of trust. Think of it like a hidden secret. "...but I will do this thing before all Israel…” - This part says that David plans to do something – he’s setting himself up for a significant action. He's making a decision, a plan, and he wants to make it known to everyone. "...and before the sun.” - This is the really dramatic part. “The sun” represents time. The verse says this will happen before the sun rises. This suggests that David’s action was done in secret, likely at night or during a time when people aren't looking. It emphasizes the clandestine nature of the deed. What does it mean? This verse is a powerful illustration of human fallibility and the potential for betrayal. It acknowledges that even good people can make mistakes and act in ways they shouldn’t. The fact that he will do it before the sun signifies that this action will have consequences, perhaps significant ones. Important Context: 2 Samuel 12 is a part of David’s story, and it’s crucial to understand the larger context: David's Rebellion: David was deeply in love with Jonathan and had a strong sense of loyalty to him. He ultimately betrayed Jonathan, leading to his banishment from Jerusalem. The Secret Pact: David made a secret pact with Bathsheba, a woman he desired, that led to the murder of Jonathan. This act is the foundation for this verse. In short, this verse describes David’s betrayal as a deliberate and secretive action that will be revealed publicly before the sun rises – a moment of transgression. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. My explanation is based on common interpretations of the text. Different scholars may have different understandings. Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Provide a more general overview of the story of David and Jonathan?