Definition: And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew [it] not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 3:26. It's a bit complex, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where Abner, a trusted advisor to King David, was tricked and brought back to the well of Sirah (a servant) – essentially trapped and held captive. David didn’t realize this until it was too late. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “2 Samuel 3:26” : This is a specific verse from the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament. It’s a record of events that happened after David’s time as King. “And when Joab came out from David…” - Joab was a very important military leader under David, and he was a close friend. “…he sent messengers after Abner…” – Joab asked Abner to come back to David. “…which brought him again from the well of Sirah…” – This is the crucial part. Abner was again taken to Sirah’s well. It's a repeated act, indicating he wasn't released. “but David knew [it] not.” - This is the key takeaway. David didn't realize what was happening. He was completely unaware of the situation and its implications. What does it mean? This verse highlights a few things: Betrayal: It shows a serious breach of trust between David and his advisor, Abner. David trusted Abner implicitly, and this act reveals a significant problem in their relationship. Manipulation: Abner was deliberately manipulated by David to keep him under control. He wasn't just being held; he was being brought back to a situation where he was vulnerable. Lack of Awareness: It emphasizes that even though David was aware of the possibility of someone being trapped, he didn’t realize it was happening until it was too late. In short, this verse describes a moment of deception and a failure of trust within the royal court. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the significance of this story in a broader context (like David's leadership or his relationship with his counselors)?