Definition: And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 15:18. It’s a pretty significant passage about death and leadership. Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.” Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “And all his servants passed on beside him…” : This means that the people who were loyal to King David – his helpers, advisors, and those who served under him – continued to live and work alongside him. Think of them as a support team. “…and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites…” : These are different groups of people from a place called Chereth (which is mentioned in the Bible) and Peleth (another location). They were essentially his loyal servants or followers. “Six hundred men which came after him from Gath” : This is the really important part. "Gath" is a place in biblical history, and it's where David was exiled. This group of six hundred people – all of them – passed on before King David. It’s like a procession or a line of those who followed him. “…passed on before the king.” : This means they died while he was still alive. It's a crucial part of the story because it shows that David had someone who continued to serve and carry on his work after he was gone. What does this verse mean in a broader sense? It suggests several things: David’s Legacy: David’s death wasn’t the end; it was a beginning of a new era for his people. His followers continued to be important and served under his successors. Faith & Loyalty: The fact that so many people followed him after he died highlights the importance of faith, loyalty, and service to those who led. The Importance of Succession: It shows that David’s rule was not just about him being the king; it also included a system of leadership and continuation of his work. In short, this verse tells us that David's followers continued to be involved in his kingdom even after he was gone, demonstrating the importance of continuing the work he started. --- Do you want me to: Explain a particular aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its historical context?) Give another example from the Bible using a similar concept?