Definition: Thy hands [were] not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, [so] fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 3:34. It’s a really powerful and poignant passage about David's fate. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of extreme humiliation and despair for David when he was being captured by the Philistines. He was treated horribly, and people were weeping over him – it felt like he was trapped. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thy hands [were] not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters” : This is the key part. David wasn’t physically restrained in any way. He wasn't held captive or forced to do anything against his will. It emphasizes that he was free from harm and oppression. “As a man falleth before wicked men, so] fellest thou.” : This is a metaphor. “Fallen” means to fall down, to be defeated. This is saying that David fell before these wicked people. He was exposed to their negativity and cruelty. "And all the people wept again over him." : The weeping wasn't just a natural reaction; it was a collective outpouring of sorrow and grief. It shows how deeply David’s suffering affected everyone around him. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea that we are all vulnerable to the negativity and harm of others. It reminds us that: We can be treated unfairly: People can be cruel or unkind, even without physically harming you. Our suffering is a consequence of others’ actions: Our emotions and feelings are often shaped by what happens to those around us. There's a shared human experience of pain and sorrow : Even though we don’t always understand why someone might be hurting us, it feels deeply sad when we experience similar suffering. In short, the verse is a reminder that David was facing a terrible situation due to the actions of others, and the collective response of people – weeping – speaks to our shared vulnerability. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?