Definition: And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 20:7. It’s a really important part of understanding how David’s situation is unfolding. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: David was facing a serious problem – Sheba, the son of Bichri, a powerful leader in Jerusalem, had been fleeing to a neighboring kingdom and was trying to avoid punishment for a transgression. He’d sent out a group of men (called “Joab’s men” and “Cherethites”) to find him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And there went out after him…” : This means David’s followers were actively searching for Sheba. They weren't just looking; they were determined to catch up with him. “…Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites…” : These are specific groups of people who were part of David's team. "Cherethites" and "Pelethites" aren't fully understood in the text, but they likely refer to specific tribes or communities within Jerusalem. “…and they went out of Jerusalem…” : This indicates that these men weren’t just wandering around – they were leaving the city of Jerusalem! They were traveling away from their homes and responsibilities. "...to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri." : This is the core of the verse. David was pursuing someone named Sheba. He wanted to know what he had done and why he was fleeing. What does it all mean? This verse sets up a situation of active pursuit and investigation. It suggests that David is concerned about Sheba's actions and wants to understand the reason for his escape. It’s essentially setting the stage for a potential conflict or challenge, as David is determined to find out what happened to him. In short: David sent a group of people to catch up with someone who was running away from punishment. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of "Bichri"? Discuss the potential consequences of Sheba's actions?