Definition: And she took a pan, and poured [them] out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Book of Samuel. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where a woman (likely a queen or high-ranking figure) is offering food to King David. However, David refuses to eat it, and his advisor, Amnon, immediately starts plotting to remove him from the court. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “2 Samuel 13:9” : This refers to a specific event within the Bible – a story about a woman offering food. It's important to remember this is part of a larger narrative about David and his power. “And she took a pan, and poured [them] out before him…” - This describes a ritual where the woman was presenting a large amount of food to David. “…but he refused to eat.” – This is the key part. David didn’t eat the food. He turned it away. “And Amnon said, Have out all men from me.” - Amnon, David's advisor, begins to spread rumors and actively try to get rid of David. “And they went out every man from him." – He starts a campaign to eliminate anyone who might be associated with or even suspected of being close to David. What’s the big takeaway? This verse highlights a few things: David's Strength & Authority: It shows that David was in charge, and he wasn’t easily swayed by others. He stood firm in his position. Political Intrigue: It demonstrates how quickly political maneuvering and plotting can escalate when someone is trying to undermine power. The Danger of Suspicion: Amnon's actions are driven by suspicion and a desire to diminish David’s influence, which creates a dangerous situation. Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among biblical scholars, but it generally suggests a period of growing tension and potential danger within the kingdom of Israel. Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible? Discuss what it might mean for David's reign?