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?