Definition: And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men [were] on his right hand and on his left.
Explanation: Okay, letβs break down this passage from 2 Samuel 16:6. Itβs a really dramatic and unsettling part of the story of King David. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: David was facing a huge threat β he was being attacked by Goliath, a giant warrior. He was feeling incredibly vulnerable and scared. What Happened Next: Angered Stones: God sent an angel to comfort David and give him strength. But, instead of offering reassurance, the angel cast stones at David. These weren't friendly stones; they were deliberately aimed at him. The Crowd is Furious: All the people surrounding David β even the mighty and powerful leaders β were on his right hand (meaning they were standing behind him) and on his left (meaning they were facing him). They were completely focused on attacking him. What It Means - A Symbolic Explanation: This isn't about a literal physical attack. Itβs a symbolic representation of the overwhelming negativity and fear that surrounded David. It suggests: Fear and Anxiety: The people were so frightened by Davidβs situation that they felt like he was being attacked from all sides. They were consumed with worry. Lack of Support: There was no one to offer him comfort or help, and he felt completely alone in his struggle. A Gathering Storm: It paints a picture of a time when Davidβs world felt chaotic and threatened. In essence, it's a powerful image of how fear can consume people and lead them to become hostile. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage has been debated for centuries, but it generally points to a moment where David was overwhelmed by the negativity around him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like its significance within the larger story of the Bible)?