Definition: And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 13:29. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about betrayal and conflict in ancient Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Absalom is in trouble: The verse describes a situation where Absalom, the king of Israel, is being manipulated by his advisors (the “servants”). Following Absalom's Instructions: These advisors, wanting to cause trouble, give Absalom commands. The Betrayal: They then carry out those commands, essentially acting as accomplices for a plot against Absalom. A Rebellion of the Sons: The king’s sons, who are his heirs and powerful leaders, immediately rebel against Absalom. They all rush to flee the palace. Let's unpack it further – what does it mean? “And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon…” : This is a crucial part. It means that Absalom’s advisors actively carried out the commands given by Amnon, who was a political rival and someone trying to kill him. “…as Absalom had commanded.” : This reinforces that the advisors were following Absalom's explicit instructions – they were complicit in the plot. It highlights a pattern of manipulation. “Then all the king’s sons arose…” : This emphasizes that it wasn’t just one person, but all the king’s sons who joined in the rebellion. It shows a widespread and coordinated effort. “…and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.” : This is the most shocking part. It means each son grabbed a mule (a riding horse) and ran away from the palace. They were fleeing to protect themselves – they weren’t fighting Absalom directly, but they were trying to escape the consequences of the betrayal. What does it tell us about this situation? Political Instability: This verse paints a picture of a kingdom descending into chaos and instability. It shows how easily a king can be manipulated by his own advisors. The Danger of Advisors: The verse warns against relying on advisors who are not trustworthy or have hidden agendas. It emphasizes the importance of careful selection and monitoring of those in power. A Warning about Rebellion: It’s a message of caution – it's always better to resist oppressive forces, even if it means facing difficult consequences. In short, this verse is a story about betrayal and rebellion fueled by manipulative advisors who seek to undermine the king. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., the significance of "Amnon") Connect it to other stories or scriptures?