Definition: And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 18:4. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage about the King’s judgment. Here’s what it essentially means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: “And the king said unto them…” – This tells us the King is speaking directly to the people he's addressing. He’s giving a direct order or instruction. “…What seemeth you best I will do.” – This is a really puzzling part. The King isn’t asking for a simple favor; he's asking for their opinion of what he should do. It suggests he wants their input and validation. “And the king stood by the gate side…” - He’s positioning himself in a strategic location, perhaps near the entrance or border. This shows he’s taking his position seriously. “…and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.” – This is the really significant part. It means the crowd was enormous – far more than usual. They were coming in massive numbers. Putting it Together - A Possible Interpretation: The verse describes a situation where the King, feeling insecure or challenged, decided to have a massive public display of his power and authority. He wanted to demonstrate that he’s capable of commanding a huge crowd. The sheer number of people is a powerful symbol – it shows the King's importance and dominance. Overall Meaning & Context: This passage is part of a larger story about David's downfall, likely involving betrayal and accusations. The King's actions are presented as a reaction to challenges he faced, and this verse highlights his hubris (excessive pride) and desire to prove himself. It’s a moment where the King seems to be driven by ego rather than just wisdom or justice. Important Note: Biblical interpretation can be complex, and there's always room for different understandings. However, this verse is generally understood as a dramatic illustration of the King's self-centeredness and desire for validation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Samuel 18? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about why this verse is significant in biblical storytelling?