Definition: For we must needs die, and [are] as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect [any] person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:14. It's a really complex passage, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here's the gist of what it means: This verse is about a king who has lost his favor with God and is facing serious consequences. Let’s look at each part: “For we must needs die…” : The king is saying he must die. It’s a desperate admission of failure. He's acknowledging that he's fallen short of God's expectations. “…and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.” : This is a powerful metaphor. Think about it like this: Water spills out and can’t be collected back into a container. It just flows away. The king is saying that his actions (or perhaps his choices) have caused him to lose God’s favor – he's lost the blessings He gives. “Neither doth God respect any person:” : This part emphasizes that God doesn't care about anyone involved in this situation. It’s a statement of absolute sovereignty and power. “…yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.” : This is the crucial part. God isn’t just letting him die; He’s actively working to restore him. He's setting up a plan – He knows how to bring him back. So, putting it all together: The king has made a terrible mistake and angered God. His actions have caused him to lose His favor, and he's now in a situation where he can’t be brought back to God’s grace. However, God doesn't just allow him to die; He plans a way for him to be reinstated – a way to regain his blessing. In essence, it’s a story about divine judgment and the possibility of redemption. It speaks to the idea that even when we make mistakes, God is still in control and has ways to bring us back to Him. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted within a context of rebellion against God. However, there are different theological perspectives on how to understand this passage – some emphasize God’s mercy and forgiveness alongside His justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the biblical significance of this passage (e.g., its role in the Old Testament)?