Definition: And when Absalomâs servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where [is] Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find [them], they returned to Jerusalem.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 17:20 together. It's a really important passage in the Bible that tells us about a very dramatic shift in events. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Absalom is a Problem: The verse focuses on Absalom, the son of King David, who was deeply unhappy and rebellious. He was constantly trying to undermine his father's rule and was causing trouble. Servants Seek Information: A group of Absalom’s servants – likely those loyal to him – were asking questions about where Absalom and his brother Jonathan were. They were looking for clues as to their whereabouts. The Secret is Revealed: The woman, who was a trusted advisor to King David, tells them that they had left Absalom and Jonathan over by the brook of water. “They be gone over the brook.” Searching and Finding Them: The servants then searched for them for a while, but eventually, they gave up and returned to Jerusalem. Putting it All Together – A Quick Summary: King David’s son, Absalom, was causing problems, and his servants were trying to find him. They discovered that Absalom and his brother Jonathan had gone to the brook of water. The woman told them they left them there. This suggests a significant shift in events - Absalom's rebellion is being quietly dealt with. Key Takeaways & Significance: Disruption: The verse highlights a period of unrest and disruption within David’s family. Divine Intervention (Potentially): The fact that the servants eventually returned to Jerusalem suggests that God was involved in resolving this conflict, even if it wasn't immediately apparent. It implies a plan or intervention might be at play. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of David’s death and the eventual rebuilding of Jerusalem. It's a moment of crisis for the royal family. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes? Provide a bit more context about the time period?