Definition: And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 12:4. It's a really important story about David and his relationship with his friend Jonathan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was incredibly wealthy and powerful. He had a huge estate (a "rich man") and a lot of possessions. He was a skilled traveler, often traveling far and wide. One day, he met a poor man named Samuel. What happened next? David took a large portion of his wealth – his own flock and herd – and dressed it for the poor man. He gave it to him as a gift. The Key Interpretation: This verse is about compassion and generosity . It’s saying that David, despite being rich, showed great kindness and care towards someone who was struggling. He wasn't hoarding his wealth; he used it to help others. Let's unpack the meaning a little further: “And there came a traveller unto the rich man…” : This sets up the scene – David is visiting someone who is already wealthy. “…and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd…” : This means he was taking a significant amount of his resources – his animals, his livestock - and giving them to Samuel. It’s a big gesture of generosity. “…to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him” : This is the crucial part. David was preparing this gift specifically for someone traveling far away. It's like he was anticipating someone who needed a comfortable ride and a warm place to rest. “but took the poor man’s lamb…” : This is the pivotal point. David took a small , vulnerable lamb – a symbol of innocence and weakness – and dressed it for the poor man. Overall Message: The verse highlights that true wealth isn't just about having a lot of money; it's about how you use your resources to help others. David’s act demonstrates a deeper quality of character - compassion, generosity, and care for those in need. In essence, this story illustrates the idea that wealth is not an end in itself but can be used to bring joy and comfort to others. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to a broader theme like forgiveness or loyalty?