Definition: And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:13. It’s a really dramatic and complex moment in the story of King David and his wife Bathsheba. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: David had been having an affair with Bathsheba, and she became pregnant. King David was deeply troubled by this situation because he feared it would bring shame to God’s people. What Happened Next: Bathsheba, feeling incredibly unhappy, tells her husband that she's considered the king’s (David’s) favorite wife and that she thinks he’s being unfair to her. She challenges him to return her to the kingdom as a captive, essentially saying “You’re punishing me for something you didn’t do.” The Key Phrase - "faulty" This is where it gets interesting. Bathsheba uses the word "faulty." It means she believes David is being unreasonable and that he's making a mistake by refusing to return her. Putting it Together – The Meaning: David, feeling incredibly hurt and angry, responds with this: “For the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty.” This means he’s saying that he thinks Bathsheba’s argument is wrong, that he feels she's being unfairly treated. He believes she’s not justified in demanding to be returned to the kingdom because David has already made a choice about her. In short: David is rejecting Bathsheba's claim that he's wronged her and asserting his own right to make his decision. It’s a moment of intense conflict and pride. Important Context - Why it Matters This verse is significant because it shows: David’s Pride: It highlights David’s ego and his tendency to be upset when he feels like he’s being unfairly treated, even if he’s right. The Consequences of His Actions: It sets the stage for a larger conflict that ultimately leads to his downfall. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or character from the Bible? Give you some broader context about David’s situation?