Definition: And ten young men that bare Joabâs armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 18:15. It’s a really important and dramatic scene in the story of David and Absalom. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Absalom is angry: The verse tells us that Absalom, David’s son, was deeply upset and enraged. He felt betrayed and humiliated by his father, David. David’s Response: David immediately took action to avenge this offense. He summoned ten young men – likely soldiers or servants – and instructed them to go and kill Absalom. Let's unpack the details: “Ten young men that bare Joabâs armour…” : This is a striking image. Joab was a powerful commander in David’s army, known for his skill and ruthlessness. "Bare" means to wear or adorn – so these ten men were wearing Joab's armor! It emphasizes the severity of the situation and that this wasn’t just a casual disagreement. “…compassed about…” : “Compassed” means to turn around and face something. So, they were turning their bodies towards Absalom. "...and smote Absalom..." : This is the key part. “Smote” means to strike or hurt with a blow – David was actively inflicting pain and harm on Absalom. He deliberately aimed to injure him. "...and slew him." : This means he killed Absalom. What’s the Significance? This verse is a powerful example of justice in action. It shows: David’s righteous anger: David was furious at Absalom's betrayal, and his response was a demonstration of his commitment to justice and punishing wrongdoing. Divine Justice: The verse suggests that God is involved in justice. It isn’t just about David acting; it’s about God’s judgment and the consequences of Absalom’s actions. In short, this passage describes a moment where David decisively punished Absalom for his betrayal, demonstrating God's power to right wrongs. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Give you some context about the historical situation?