Definition: And afterward when David heard [it], he said, I and my kingdom [are] guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a really important part of the Bible that speaks about a betrayal and a serious consequence. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was dealing with Abner: David was King of Israel at the time, and he had a close relationship with a man named Abner. Abner Betrays David: Abner, who was a trusted advisor to David, secretly turned against him and plotted against his life. He sent spies to kill David. David is Guilty: David heard about this betrayal – he learned that Abner had betrayed him. He then realized he wasn't responsible for the blood of the attack. What Does it Mean? This verse essentially says: “David was innocent of the blood of Abner.” It’s a direct statement of his innocence in this situation. Let's unpack it further: “And afterward” : This tells us that after the betrayal, David had to address it. “[it]” : This is key. “It” refers to the act of Abner betraying David. It’s a specific event that happened. “he said…” : David acknowledged what happened. “I and my kingdom [are] guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:” This is the crucial part. Let's break it down: “I and my kingdom” : This means David was innocent of the act. It wasn’t his kingdom that was responsible, but David himself. “[are] guiltless before the LORD” : “Guiltless” means free from blame or wrongdoing. The Lord (God) is saying he is not accountable for the betrayal. “for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:” This is a very important detail: Abner was the son of Ner, which is a specific name. The verse says that David was innocent of the blood of this particular act – the blood of Abner. It's like saying he wasn’t responsible for the stain or consequence of the attack. Why is this important? This passage highlights several things: David’s Integrity: It shows that David was a righteous and trustworthy king. He wasn’t complicit in the betrayal. Justice and Accountability: The verse points to God’s justice – he holds people accountable for their actions, even those who are innocent. The Consequences of Betrayal: It demonstrates that betrayal has serious consequences, even for someone who isn't directly responsible. In short, this verse affirms David’s innocence in a significant event and underscores God’s judgment on those who betray Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Discuss the significance of the story within the larger context of the Bible? Connect it to a particular theme or idea (like forgiveness or repentance)?