Definition: But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 12:23. It’s a really powerful and sad verse about David’s grief and despair. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: David was deeply heartbroken after the death of his friend Saul. He felt incredibly lost, hopeless, and even considered giving up. He asked a question that expresses a feeling of complete hopelessness: “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again?” Let's unpack it layer by layer: “But now he is dead…” : This immediately establishes the gravity of the situation. David’s friend is gone. It’s a devastating loss. “…wherefore should I fast?” : David was asking why he needed to endure a period of fasting – a time where he abstains from food and drink – when his friend was no longer with him. He's questioning the point of it all. “Can I bring him back again?” : This is the core of the question. David desperately wants to undo this loss, to have his friend back in his life. He’s clinging to a possibility of reunion. “I shall go to him…” : He’s suggesting he will try to meet with his deceased friend again. “…he shall not return to me.” : This is the crucial and heartbreaking part. David tells God that his friend cannot return to him. He's accepting the fact that his friendship has ended, and he cannot bring him back. What it’s saying: This verse expresses a deep sense of grief, resignation, and perhaps even a feeling of being trapped by loss. It highlights David's struggle with the reality of death and the impossibility of reversing a tragedy. It speaks to the pain of loss and the profound sadness that can arise when we lose someone we love. Overall Meaning: The verse isn’t about wanting his friend back. It’s about acknowledging the undeniable reality of death and accepting that it’s permanent. It's a moment of immense sorrow and a poignant expression of David’s despair. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a testament to God's sovereignty – that God ultimately controls all things, including life and death. However, within the context of the Bible, it also speaks to human suffering and our need for comfort in the face of loss. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Provide some context about David's situation before Saul’s death? Discuss how this passage is used in different theological interpretations?