Definition: And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 19:18. It’s a really important passage about a difficult situation and a crucial moment in King David’s life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: King David is traveling to Jerusalem. He's on a journey, perhaps for a special purpose or to do something important. A ferry boat arrives. This isn’t just any boat; it’s a ferry boat , which was used for transporting people and goods across bodies of water. It’s carrying the king's household. This means King David’s royal family, his advisors, and important people were being transported. The ferry boat is tasked with a specific job: “To carry over the king’s household” – this implies they were going to be taken somewhere, likely to a place of safety or a meeting. Shimei falls down. This is where it gets interesting. Shimei, a son of Gera (a powerful king from Israel), was brought along with the royal family. He’s fallen down . “Fallen down” means he's been defeated or humbled by something. What Happened Next? He fell before the King. This is key – Shimei didn’t stand up for himself. He surrendered to the king's authority and acknowledged his place under his rule. He was coming over Jordan. Jordan is a river, and this indicates he was traveling across it – perhaps towards a specific location or purpose. Overall Meaning - A Moment of Submission: This verse paints a picture of a moment of submission . Shimei, who was initially involved in the king's court, was forced to yield to the king's authority. He chose to comply with the king’s wishes, even though he might have disagreed with them. It highlights the idea that sometimes, being loyal and following orders is necessary, even when it means acknowledging a higher power’s position. Important Note: It’s important to understand this verse within the context of David's life. This passage is a dramatic moment – it shows the challenges and complexities of leadership. It isn’t necessarily about Shimei being evil ; it’s about his obedience in a difficult situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a deeper look at its significance? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore a different aspect of the story (like David’s relationship with Goliath)?