Definition: And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 14:2. It's a really interesting and dramatic scene in the story of King David and his son Joab. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: King David had asked Joab to go to Tekoah (a place named after a woman), and Joab brought back a wise woman. The purpose was to test David's judgment. David was feeling incredibly unhappy with Joab’s actions – specifically, Joab had killed the young man who was David’s favorite hunting companion. What Joab Did: Joab instructed the wise woman to act like a mourner. He told her to: 1. Feign Mourning: She pretended to be sad and grieving. 2. Wear Mourning Attire: She put on a specific outfit that signifies sorrow – like covering herself in oil (a sign of grief). 3. Not Anoint Herself: Importantly, she didn’t apply perfume or oil to herself as a symbol of mourning. The Significance - What it Means: This action was a carefully orchestrated test for David. The Bible says he was deeply upset with Joab’s actions, and this scene shows how David was trying to gauge his reaction. It's suggesting: David Was Feeling Extremely Hurt: He wasn't just annoyed; he was profoundly grieving the loss of his friend and the injustice of it. David Needed to Understand His Response: He wasn’t simply reacting; he needed to see how David would respond to this situation – whether he would be angry, sad, or perhaps even show some understanding. In essence, Joab was trying to see if David could handle the pain of the loss and the injustice. It's a complex passage, but the key takeaway is that it’s a strategic test designed to reveal David’s true emotional state. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Talk about the historical context of this story? Discuss the possible interpretations of this passage from a biblical perspective?

Definition: To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord [is] wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all [things] that [are] in the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:20. It’s a really complex passage, but we can simplify it into understandable parts. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense anger and disbelief by King David after his friend Joab betrayed him. It’s about a feeling that something is terribly wrong and that David doesn’t understand why things are happening the way they are. Let's break it down word-by-word: “To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing…” – This means Joab, David’s servant, did something that was very unusual and upsetting. He deliberately changed a piece of information (a "speech") to deceive David. “…and my lord [is] wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God…” - This is the key part. “My Lord” refers to King David. The phrase “according to the wisdom of an angel of God” means David’s judgment and understanding were beyond human comprehension – it was a divine level of insight. It's not just a clever trick; it suggests something truly profound. Putting it all together: David is saying that he understands that Joab has deliberately misled him about a significant piece of information, and that David’s judgment is so deep and complex that it surpasses even the wisdom of God himself. What does this tell us about David? It suggests: David was deeply hurt: He felt betrayed and confused by Joab’s actions. He was seeking divine guidance: The phrase "according to the wisdom of an angel of God" indicates a plea for understanding beyond human reason. He was struggling with his own judgment: This verse shows David grappling with a difficult situation – he's questioning if his own perception is correct. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted, and it’s important to understand that it doesn’t mean Joab is actually a divine being. It’s a powerful expression of David's emotional state - a deep sense of injustice and confusion. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically are you finding confusing about the verse? (e.g., the language, the context, its meaning?)

Definition: And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:21. It’s a pretty dramatic and somewhat unsettling passage about David and his son Absalom. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: David is telling Joab to go back and bring Absalom back into the kingdom. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the king said unto Joab…” - This establishes a conversation between David and his advisor, Joab. “…Behold now, I have done this thing:” – David is acknowledging a mistake he made. He’s admitting to something that wasn't right. It implies he perhaps encouraged or allowed Absalom to do something wrong. “Go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.” - This is the command. David wants Absalom back into his kingdom. What's happening here? It’s a moment of intense regret and a shift in power. The Significance – It’s about betrayal and consequences: This verse highlights a critical point in David’s life: he was allowing his son to defy him. Absalom, who had been exiled from the kingdom, did defy David. He challenged his authority and plotted against him. David realizes he's made a mistake and is now asking Joab to rectify the situation. It’s a turning point where he understands the gravity of what he did. It’s important to note: The verse doesn’t explain why David made this mistake, but it sets the stage for a larger story about betrayal and the consequences that follow. It's a moment of deep regret and a shift towards a new path for David. In short, this verse is about a king acknowledging a mistake and commanding his advisor to bring back a rebellious son, setting the stage for further conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Samuel 14? Discuss the context of the story in general?

Definition: And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:22. It’s a really interesting and dramatic moment in David’s life! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: David was having a huge problem with Joab, his close advisor. Joab had been secretly plotting to kill David. David was furious and decided to make Joab look bad before the king. He sent Joab away, and Joab was humiliated and fell down in shame. What happened next? Joab’s Response: After falling, Joab knelt and bowed himself deeply, thanking the King for giving him grace – meaning forgiveness or favor. The Meaning of "Grace": The word “grace” here is really important. It means a kind of mercy, pardon, or blessing. The King gave Joab grace because he understood Joab had been acting wrongly and trying to harm David. Putting it all together: David was thanking the king for giving Joab grace, because the king realized Joab’s actions were wrong and that he had received a blessing from the King. It shows that even when someone makes mistakes, God can still forgive them. In short, this verse is about forgiveness and redemption. David acknowledges that Joab was foolish and acted badly, but the King recognized his wrongdoing and granted him mercy. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this passage (like the role of forgiveness)?

Definition: So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:23. It’s a really significant moment in the story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Joab took Absalom to Jerusalem. Let’s unpack that a little further: Joab: This was a trusted advisor and military leader to King David. He was responsible for protecting the king and his kingdom. Geshur: This is a city in Egypt – a region known for its military strength and wealth. It was a place where Joab needed to be seen and possibly influence. Came to Jerusalem: This is the key part. Joab brought Absalom to Jerusalem . Why is this significant? This act of bringing Absalom to Jerusalem, while seemingly a simple task, is incredibly important because it’s a huge sign of his rebellion. David was deeply concerned about Absalom's growing discontent and his desire to defy him. Bringing him to the capital city – the center of power – demonstrates that he was actively plotting against his father. What does this tell us about David’s reaction? It suggests a deep sense of worry and perhaps a feeling of being powerless. David wasn't just worried about Absalom’s rebellion; he was concerned about the potential consequences for his entire kingdom. In short, it paints a picture of a king attempting to assert control over his son through a deliberate move to show his displeasure. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this event in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about the verses?

Definition: And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king’s face.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really significant moment in Samuel’s story, and it speaks about a lot of important themes. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Absalom is the King: This verse tells us we're talking about Absalom, the son of David, who was rebelling against his father. He was feeling resentful and angry at his father’s rule. He Wants to Hide His Face: Absalom decides he doesn’t want to see his father’s face. This is a big deal because it shows a deep desire for independence and self-rule. What's Happening – The Key Point: Absalom Returns Home: He leaves the palace and returns to his own home, which was previously a very large and powerful kingdom. He Sees His Father’s Face No More: The most important part is that he doesn't see his father’s face anymore. This signifies a complete rejection of his father's authority and a desire to be free from his control. What it Means – The Bigger Picture: This verse is about divine judgment and the consequences of rebellion. Here’s what it suggests: God's Justice: God is punishing Absalom for his disobedience. He’s showing that disobeying your father, even when you want to be independent, has serious repercussions. Loss of Power: His rejection of his father also means he loses the power and status he had enjoyed. A Symbolic Removal: The verse is often interpreted as a symbolic removal of Absalom’s power from the kingdom. It's like God taking away something that was rightfully his. In short, it’s a story about a king who chooses to distance himself from his father and ultimately facing the consequences of that choice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of this story in more detail? Explore what this verse might symbolize on a deeper level (like pride, disobedience, or seeking independence)?

Definition: But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:25. It’s a really significant and complex passage about David’s son, Absalom, and how he was treated. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David Had a Son: David had a son named Absalom. Absalom Was a Beauty Star: Absalom was exceptionally beautiful – far beyond anything else in Israel. He was considered stunning, and his beauty was legendary. He Was Treated Poorly: The text says that everyone in Israel treated him poorly. They didn’t praise him, didn't admire him, and generally ignored him. The Key Meaning - It’s About Pride & Disrespect: This verse is a powerful message about pride and disrespect. It highlights that Absalom was so focused on his own appearance and popularity that he became isolated and unappreciated by the rest of Israel. It's essentially saying, “He was so obsessed with being beautiful that he lost respect from everyone else.” Let’s unpack it a bit further: "But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom..." This means that despite his beauty, Absalom wasn't valued or admired by the entire nation. "...for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him." This is the crucial part. The verse says that absolutely nothing was wrong with his appearance – not even a single flaw. It’s as if he was perfect, flawless, and completely untouched by flaws. Why is this significant? It Shows David's Pride: This verse reveals a deep sense of pride in David, which might have led him to be arrogant and disconnected from his people. It Highlights the Importance of Respect: The verse reminds us that true respect comes not just from outward beauty but from valuing others as individuals. In short, this verse paints Absalom as someone who was utterly isolated due to his vanity, and it’s a warning about the dangers of excessive pride. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Samuel? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Or, do you have any other questions about this verse?

Definition: And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled [it]: because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:26. It’s a really dramatic and somewhat unsettling passage about a king losing his throne. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: King David had been having an affair with Bathsheba. He had a child with her, Absalom. But the boy was a sickly and troublesome child, and David’s wife, Joab, was furious. She plotted to kill David’s son, Absalom. So, she arranged for her servants to poison him. David, devastated by this loss, asks his advisors – including Nathan, who is also his brother – to find a way to end his life. The Verse Explained: “And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled [it]: because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.” “And when he polled his head…” – This means David lost his life. He had taken his own life with poison. “…for it was at every year’s end that he polled [it]:” - This is a really important point. David regularly ended his life on the anniversary of his death, specifically when the hair was heavy – meaning when the hair was plentiful. This is a very unusual and symbolic act. It suggests a deep sense of sorrow and impending doom. “because [the hair] was heavy on him…” - David was burdened by grief and guilt. The weight of this loss was immense. “…therefore he polled it:” – David, overwhelmed with sadness and remorse, actually killed himself . He took his own life, ending his reign. The Significance: This verse is a powerful example of the consequences of sin and betrayal. It highlights David’s deep sorrow and how his actions (or lack thereof) led to his downfall. It's also a reminder that sometimes, the weight of our choices can be unbearable. In short, this passage describes a king who lost his life because he was consumed by grief and remorse over a tragic event – a betrayal that ultimately cost him everything. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to explain anything in more detail? For example, are you curious about: The symbolism of the "yearly end"? The context of David’s relationship with Bathsheba?

Definition: And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name [was] Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 14:27. It's a really interesting story about David and his son Absalom! Here’s the explanation in simple terms: Basically, David was very angry with his son Absalom. He felt he had been treated unfairly by Absalom, and this verse describes what happened next. Absalom Was a Problem: Absalom was rebellious and refused to listen to his father, David. He constantly challenged David’s authority and acted like he didn't want to be part of the family. David Had Three Sons: David had three sons: Tamar and Ben-Onn. Tamar Was Born: Tamar was born to Absalom. Tamar Was Special: The key part is that Tamar had three sons – three boys! And one of them, Tamar, was a beautiful girl named Tamar . So, the verse says that David had three sons, and one of them was a beautiful girl named Tamar. This Tamar was known for being very stubborn and defiant. The Significance: This story is a bit complicated and has a lot of layers. It’s about: David's Jealousy & Anger: David felt deeply hurt by his son's behavior and wanted to make him suffer. Fate & Destiny: The Bible often suggests that fate plays a role in human lives. This verse hints that Tamar's birth was predetermined, and she would be a source of trouble for David. Important Note: It’s important to understand that this story isn't about punishment but rather about David's emotional response to his son's actions. It highlights the challenges of family relationships and the complexities of human nature. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, or would you like me to focus on a specific aspect of the story? For example, we could: Discuss the symbolism behind Tamar's name. Explore the context of the passage within the larger narrative of David and his kingdom.

Definition: So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king’s face.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:28. It’s a really significant moment in the story of Absalom and his rebellion against his father, David. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Absalom is angry: Absalom, who was King of Israel, was deeply unhappy with his father, David. He felt he wasn't valued or respected enough. He decides to leave: Absalom decided to go away and live in Jerusalem for two full years. This was a big decision – it meant he was leaving everything behind. He doesn’t see David: The crucial part is that he didn’t see David . He completely ignored him, deliberately avoiding any contact with the man who had ruled Israel before him. What it Means in Plain Language: This verse essentially says: “Absalom spent two years alone in Jerusalem, and he didn’t look at his father, David, ever.” Why is this significant? It's a sign of deep resentment: It shows Absalom was consumed by bitterness and anger. He felt betrayed and unappreciated. It highlights his rejection of his legacy: By deliberately avoiding David, he was rejecting the traditions and power of his family line. He was essentially saying, "I don’t want to be part of this." It sets the stage for conflict: This act of distancing himself is a major turning point that leads to the eventual downfall of Absalom and his rebellion. In short, it's a story about a king who chose to withdraw from his family and power, creating a rift that ultimately led to disaster. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?