Definition: And [hast thou] not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, [that] what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king’s house, thou shalt tell [it] to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 15:35. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic statement about God’s involvement in Israel's future. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: God is saying that he is directly responsible for listening to what happens within the King’s house – the palace where the king and his officials live – and telling Zadok and Abiathar about it. Essentially, God wants them to be informed of everything that's going on. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And [hast thou] not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests?” This is a crucial question. It's asking if Zadok and Abiathar – two key officials in the king's household – are present when God is communicating with him. They’re asking if they’re available to hear what’s being said. “therefore it shall be, [that] what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king’s house, thou shalt tell [it] to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.” This is the core command. If Zadok and Abiathar don't respond to God, then God will directly communicate with them about everything that happens within the King’s house. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as: God’s Watchful Presence: It highlights God’s active involvement in the affairs of Israel. He's not just passively observing; he’s actively monitoring and responding to events within the kingdom. Accountability: It emphasizes accountability – Zadok and Abiathar are responsible for keeping God informed of everything that happens. They are entrusted with this role. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God is willing to intervene in situations, even if it means directly communicating with those involved. Context - Why is this verse significant? This passage comes before the story of Israel's rebellion against King David. It’s a crucial moment where God shows his displeasure and sets the stage for the coming judgment. It speaks to: God’s Sovereignty: He’s in control, and he doesn’t tolerate disobedience. Divine Justice: There’s a clear expectation of accountability and consequences for wrongdoing. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about God's involvement in Israel's destiny, emphasizing his watchful presence and the importance of those entrusted with communication. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect it to a specific event or story from the Bible?