Definition: And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us [that] we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse from the book of Samuel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where a man (we’ll call him “Nathan”) betrayed his wife and then deliberately plotted to harm the people who were living near him. It’s a very dramatic and painful story. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they answered the king…” : This means that the people of Israel, particularly the kings of the region, listened to Nathan's words. They weren’t just passively hearing; they were actively responding. “…The man that consumed us…” : This refers to Nathan’s wife – likely a woman named Jezebel. She was a queen and had been involved in a very serious affair with a high-ranking official named Uriah. “Consumed” suggests she was deeply, perhaps even violently, rejected by her husband. “…and that devised against us [that] we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel.” : This is the most shocking part. Nathan’s plan was to make it so that all the people living near him – particularly the Israelites – would be forced to leave their homes and live far away. He wanted to destroy them! He deliberately orchestrated this situation to cause hardship and suffering. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a very dark example of betrayal and manipulation. It’s a story about: The dangers of unchecked power: Nathan was powerful, but his actions were driven by a desire for revenge and control. The consequences of deceit: The verse highlights how easily things can be twisted when someone lies or manipulates others. A warning against evil: It’s a reminder that even seemingly small acts of betrayal can have devastating consequences. Important Note: It's important to remember this story is ancient and written in a very specific historical context. The exact details are debated, but the core message – about deliberate harm and the potential for suffering – remains remarkably relevant today. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this story (e.g., how it relates to themes like justice or forgiveness)?