Definition: And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy fatherâs concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 16:21. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling verse in the Bible, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Absalom is in trouble: The verse describes Absalom, son of King David, being in a terrible situation – he’s being treated badly by his father, King David. Ahithophel is the messenger: Ahithophel is a trusted advisor to King David who’s sent this message. He's essentially acting as a voice of warning and perhaps even a tool for destruction. The Warning: Ahithophel tells Absalom to go to his father’s concubines – this is a very unusual and unsettling instruction. What Does It Mean? This verse says that Ahithophel believes that Absalom is being targeted by his father's concubines. He's suggesting that because of this, the entire Israel nation will hear about Absalom’s displeasure with his father. “Abhorred of thy father” : This means Absalom is facing severe punishment and disapproval from David. "All Israel shall hear..." : This is a huge implication – it suggests that the entire country of Israel will be aware of this conflict. It's not just about Absalom; it’s about the consequences of his actions impacting everyone. The Symbolic Meaning (This is where it gets interesting): Now, here’s the key to understanding this passage: The Concubines as a Symbol: The concubines in this context aren't just physical women. They represent all those who are connected to David and his family . They symbolize all the people who are dependent on, or potentially at risk of being harmed by David’s actions – perhaps through his political decisions, his relationships, or his choices. The “Hands of all that [are] with thee” : This is a powerful image. It suggests a group of people (the concubines) who are actively working to undermine and harm Absalom. “All those with him” implies a network of influence – perhaps through manipulation or betrayal. “Strong” : The phrase "strong" means that this situation will have significant repercussions, likely leading to chaos and instability. Overall Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a deeply dangerous situation for Absalom. It suggests that David is deliberately trying to cause trouble and that his actions are having a wider impact on the nation of Israel. It's a message of potential conflict and a warning about the consequences of disobedience. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of political turmoil and potential rebellion against David. However, it’s important to remember that biblical passages often have multiple layers of meaning and are open to interpretation. --- Do you want me to explain any of these elements in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of 2 Samuel? Discuss the symbolism of the concubines? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories?