Definition: And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 17:27. It’s a really important passage about a conflict and a surprising resolution. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Situation: David was visiting Mahanaim (a region near Jerusalem): David, the King of Israel, was traveling through this area. These people are involved in a bitter feud: Shobi, Nahash’s son, Machir, and Barzillai are all involved in a long-standing disagreement with David. They’ve been fighting for years, and it's escalating into something serious. What Happened Next: Shobi demands retribution: Shobi of Rabbah, who is a powerful leader in Ammon (a region to the east), wants to punish David for a past offense. He’s demanding revenge – he wants to make him pay for something that happened long ago. The dispute began with a betrayal: The core of the conflict stems from a betrayal. It was revealed that Machir, who was supposed to be protecting David, secretly sided with Nahash's enemies and helped them plot against him. The Key Revelation – This is where it gets interesting: David confronts his enemies: David, in response to this betrayal, challenges Shobi and his followers to come before him. He doesn’t want to fight; he wants to understand the situation and resolve it. What Does this Verse Mean? (Simplified) This verse essentially says: "David is standing up to those who are trying to cause him harm, even though they've wronged him." It highlights a crucial moment where David’s authority and justice are being challenged. It shows that he isn’t just defending himself; he's taking action against those who seek to destroy him. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Bible about conflict, betrayal, and ultimately, God’s plan for David's reign. It demonstrates a shift from a purely defensive posture to one of active challenge and seeking justice. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general understanding of scripture and should be considered a simplified overview. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?