Definition: Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 13:26. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling part of the story about Absalom, King of Israel, and his brother Amnon. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Situation: Absalom is feeling restless and unhappy. He’s growing resentful of his brother Amnon, who he believes has betrayed him. He asks the king to let Amnon go with them. Absalom wants Amnon to leave, perhaps because he feels he deserves a chance or that Amnon is causing problems. What’s Happening – It's a Bit Twisted: The key part of the verse is: “And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?” The King's Question: The king isn't necessarily agreeing with Absalom’s request. He’s asking a very pointed question – why should Amnon go with them? This suggests the king is deeply troubled by this situation. The Underlying Problem: This is a sign of a massive crisis. The King is worried that Amnon has betrayed him, possibly in a way that could threaten his rule or kingdom. He’s questioning whether Amnon's actions are justified. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of a king deeply concerned and perhaps even alarmed by a potential threat to his authority. It suggests: A Crisis of Trust: The King is facing a crisis of trust – he doesn’t fully trust Amnon, and the situation feels fraught with danger. A Potential Rebellion: This could be the beginning of a rebellion or a significant shift in power within the kingdom. Important Note: It's important to remember that this verse is written in a very emotional context – it’s a moment of intense tension and worry. The King isn’t necessarily agreeing with Absalom’s request; he's grappling with the gravity of the situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Or, perhaps, do you have a specific question about this verse that you’d like answered?