Definition: And the king said, [Is] the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king’s servant, and [me] thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what [it was].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 18:29. It’s a really important and complex passage about a king’s reaction to a crisis. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Absalom is in trouble: The verse immediately tells us that Absalom, the son of King David, is in serious danger. He's being exiled or threatened. Ahimaaz is present: A man named Ahimaaz is there to meet with the king. He’s a servant. A huge commotion: The key thing is that Ahimaaz witnesses a great tumult – a massive, chaotic event – happening. It's like a really big storm or uproar. Now, let’s unpack the words: “And the king said, [Is] the young man Absalom safe?” This is the king asking a crucial question: Is Absalom truly safe? He’s worried about his son’s well-being. “And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and [me] thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it.” This is where it gets interesting. Ahimaaz explains what he saw. He says: "When Joab sent the king’s servant, and my servant..." – He's talking about a servant who was sent by the King to investigate the situation. "...I saw a great tumult..." - This is a big word! “Tumult” means a loud, chaotic uproar or disturbance. It felt like something was terribly wrong. “…but I knew not what it was.” – This is the crucial part. He didn’t understand why there was such a commotion. It wasn't clear what was happening. So, What Does This Mean? This verse paints a picture of a king who is deeply concerned about his son and witnessing something incredibly unsettling. It suggests: A Threat: The tumult points to a significant problem – perhaps a rebellion, a betrayal, or some other serious threat against Absalom. Confusion & Uncertainty: The king doesn’t know what the tumult is; he's paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. In essence, it’s a moment of intense observation where the king is grappling with an unknown crisis. --- Important Note: This verse is a classic example of Old Testament storytelling – it uses vivid imagery to convey deeper meaning about leadership, responsibility, and the challenges of maintaining order. It's not always straightforward; it leaves room for interpretation! Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to explore: The context of Absalom’s exile? The significance of the word "tumult"?