Definition: And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORDâS anointed?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 1:14. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about David feeling a bit too proud and arrogant after he successfully used his power to attack God’s anointed (King Solomon). It highlights a moment of humility and repentance. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And David said unto him…” – This sets up a conversation between David and God, likely a moment of reflection or judgment. “…How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand…” – This is the key part. "Thy" is a possessive pronoun meaning “your.” So it means “How were you not afraid to reach out your hand?” This phrase is crucial. "...to destroy the LORDâS anointed?" – This is where it gets interesting. “The LORDâS anointed” refers to King Solomon, who was God’s chosen leader and king. “Destroy” means to harm or ruin. So, David was asking: "Why were you not afraid to use your power to harm the one God chose?" What does it mean? Essentially, David is saying he felt a bit complacent after conquering Jerusalem and ruling as King. He wasn't humbled enough to recognize that his actions were potentially disrespectful to God and could cause harm. It was a moment of pride that led him to think about the consequences of his power. It points to a growing awareness of the responsibility that comes with leadership. Why is it significant? This verse is considered one of the earliest examples of David’s repentance. It's often seen as a pivotal point in his journey towards becoming a righteous king and recognizing his place under God’s authority. It shows a beginning of a change in his character – moving from power to humility. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of 2 Samuel 1? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?