Definition: And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that [was] under him went away.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage together. It’s a pretty dramatic and unsettling verse from 2 Samuel 18. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Absalom, the son of King David, is incredibly defiant and rebellious. He’s refusing to obey his father’s commands and wants to do things his own way. He meets with his servants and decides to ride a mule – a very large, sturdy animal – into a massive, ancient oak tree. What Happened Next: It's a Moment of Chaos: The mule gets stuck in the tree branches, trapping Absalom. He’s Lifted Up: The story describes him being lifted up high, almost suspended between heaven and earth – it’s a very symbolic way of saying he’s completely lost and isolated. It's a Sign of God's Wrath: The verse states that the mule “went away,” implying something terrible has happened. It suggests God is angry with Absalom's defiance. What Does It Mean? This passage isn't about a literal story of Absalom falling into the tree. It’s a powerful metaphor for: Disobedience and Rebellion: Absalom’s actions are a clear sign that he’s rejecting his father’s authority and setting himself apart from everything God has established. God’s Judgment: The imagery of being “taken up between heaven and earth” suggests that God is punishing Absalom for his disobedience. It's a reminder that there will be consequences for breaking God’s rules. In essence, this verse describes a moment of extreme crisis – Absalom’s rebellion leading to a divine punishment. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning. Different interpretations exist, but the core message is about disobedience and God's judgment. Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of the verse in more detail? Provide context for the story within the larger narrative of 2 Samuel?