Definition: And say ye to Amasa, [Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 19:13. It's a really interesting and complex passage about David and his relationship with Saul. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is a deeply emotional and somewhat unsettling statement from David to God. It suggests that David is Saul, in a way. He’s essentially saying, “God has chosen me to be Saul, and he's choosing me to be Saul continuously .” Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And say ye to Amasa…” : This refers to Amasa, a close advisor to David. It’s like David is addressing him directly. “[Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh?” : This is the core of the verse. David is asking if Amasa isn't literally descended from him – a direct descendant. He’s implying that he shares a very ancient lineage with Saul. “God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.” : This is where it gets really complex. "Captain of the host" refers to Saul's position as commander of the army. It’s a very significant role – he was the leader of the entire Israelite army. David is saying: "God has chosen me to be Saul, and he's choosing me to be Saul continuously ." He’s framing it as if he will always be Saul, forever bound to him. What does this mean? This verse speaks to a very powerful and painful truth for David. It highlights: A Deeply Personal Connection: David felt a profound sense of being chosen by God in a way that goes beyond just being a leader. He felt like he was destined to be Saul, in a way that’s both terrifying and strangely comforting. The Burden of Responsibility: It speaks to the immense weight of responsibility David carried as king. He wasn't just ruling; he was living as Saul – with all his flaws and mistakes. A Sense of Being Controlled: This verse suggests a degree of control from God, where God is actively choosing and directing David’s life in a way that feels almost like being trapped or bound to a specific path. Important Note: It's a Complex Passage This passage is highly symbolic and debated among biblical scholars. There are different interpretations about its meaning. Some believe it’s a reflection of David’s own troubled conscience, while others see it as a deeper statement about God’s sovereignty and the nature of human destiny. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of the passage? Provide context for the time period when this verse was written?