Definition: And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 1:4. It’s a really impactful and sad passage in the Bible that tells us about a very difficult moment. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: David is facing a major crisis: David was leading an army in battle, and they were losing badly. He asks a question: David, feeling worried, asks his opponent (likely Saul) why the people are fleeing and many are dead. Saul and Jonathan die: The answer from Saul is devastating: “That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead.” This means Saul and his son, Jonathan, have both died in the battle. What it Means – Simple Breakdown: “And David said unto him…” : David is speaking to someone who is likely challenging or questioning him. “How went the matter?” : David is asking a straightforward question: “How is this going?” “I pray thee, tell me.” : He’s emphasizing that he wants to know exactly what's happening – why the people are leaving and why Saul and Jonathan are gone. “He answered…” : Saul responds with a grim answer - he describes a catastrophic loss of life. The Significance & Context: A Turning Point: This verse is a crucial moment because it shows that David’s situation was incredibly serious. It's a sign that the battle has gone badly, and the consequences are severe. Loss of Faith: It suggests a loss of faith on both sides – David’s, and Saul's. A Heavy Burden: This event placed a tremendous burden on David. He had to face this devastating news and understand why it was happening. Overall Feeling: This verse evokes feelings of sorrow, loss, and perhaps a sense of vulnerability for David. It highlights the potential for tragedy when things go wrong. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?