Definition: Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 19:40. It’s a really important part of understanding how things were handled in ancient Israel during the time of King David. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a significant event where the king, David, and his followers were involved in a legal process – essentially a trial – to determine who was responsible for offenses against God. It’s a bit complex, but here's the gist: Gilgal and Chimham: These are two specific locations. Gilgal is a place where the people of Judah (the area around Jerusalem) were involved in a dispute. Chimham was a judge or leader present there. Conducting the King: David’s followers, led by his chief minister, Chimham, were conducting the legal proceedings – essentially running the trial. They were responsible for making sure everything was done according to God's law and justice. Half the People of Israel Involved: This is a really crucial detail. It means that half of the people in Judah (including those who were loyal to David) were actively involved in this legal process. It wasn’t just David or his followers; it was a significant portion of the population. What does it mean? This verse speaks to: Accountability: It highlights that David's actions and decisions had consequences for everyone, not just him. Divine Justice: The process was designed to ensure God’s justice was served. It wasn’t about punishment, but about making sure things were right and that David wasn’t violating God’s laws. Leadership & Responsibility: It shows the importance of leadership and responsibility in a time when people were accountable for their actions. In short, it describes a legal trial where David's followers were leading the process – showing that he was held accountable for his actions. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story about the history of Israel and its relationship with God. It’s important to read the whole Bible to get a full picture of this time. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Samuel? Discuss the context of this event in more detail (like why it was happening)?