Definition: And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 20:3. It’s a bit complex, so we’ll go through it step-by-step: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where David, the King of Israel, was dealing with some concubines (women who served him) who were staying with him in Jerusalem. He made a decision to keep them safe and comfortable for a long time – essentially, they became his household staff. However, he didn’t let them leave or go anywhere. Let's unpack the key parts: “And David came to his house at Jerusalem…” : This sets the scene - David is in his home city. “…and the king took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them.” This is the crucial part. “Ten women” refers to a group of women David had previously allowed to stay with him. He kept them, but didn’t let them go. "In ward" means they were given a place – a room or area within his home. And he fed them – provided them with food and care. “So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.” This is the most important part – they were kept safe and comfortable for a very long time. They weren’t allowed to leave or go anywhere. They were essentially treated as family members, but still under his control. They lived in seclusion and were cared for until the end of their lives. What it means - A Bit of Interpretation: This passage is often interpreted as a reflection on David's character and possibly his relationship with God. It suggests several things: David’s Care & Responsibility: He wasn't just keeping women; he was providing for them, caring for them, and ensuring their well-being. A Test of Faith? Some scholars believe this could be a symbolic representation of David’s spiritual journey – perhaps he was testing God’s patience or his own commitment to the people. A Reminder of the Importance of Hospitality: The verse highlights the importance of hospitality and taking care of those under your care, even when it means keeping them confined. In short, this verse describes a period of careful guardianship for David's concubines, offering them a comfortable life while maintaining control over their situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore a related biblical story or theme?