Definition: And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 19:19. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about David and his servant. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: David is telling the king (likely Solomon) that he needs to be forgiven for something he did wrong while the King was away from Jerusalem. He’s saying, “Don't blame me for what I did; please don't let it weigh on your mind.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And said unto the king…” : David is speaking directly to Solomon, the ruler of Israel. “…let not my lord impute iniquity unto me…” : “Impute” means to assign blame or hold someone accountable for something they didn’t do. David is saying he doesn't deserve blame. He’s trying to avoid being accused of wrongdoing. “…neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem…” : This is the crucial part. David is pointing out a specific incident – something he did while the King was away. He's saying, “You don’t remember what I did wrong on that day.” “…that the king should take it to his heart.” : This is the key message. David is asking for forgiveness because his action caused trouble and pain. He wants the king to understand the seriousness of his mistake and learn from it. It's a plea for repentance – a turning away from wrong behavior. What does this mean in bigger terms? This verse speaks to several important themes: Responsibility: David is acknowledging that he’s responsible for his actions, even if they were unintentional or perhaps driven by emotion. Remorse & Repentance: It's about seeking forgiveness and trying to correct a mistake. The Importance of Remembering: The king needs to remember what happened so he can learn and avoid repeating the same errors in the future. Context is Key This passage comes from a time when David was struggling with his own actions and the weight of responsibility. It’s a moment where he's recognizing the potential consequences of his behavior. In short, this verse is a plea for forgiveness and a reminder that David needs to understand the impact of his choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Samuel 19? Discuss the significance of David's actions in the story? Offer a different interpretation of this verse?