Definition: And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 3:39. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about David’s reign and God’s perspective. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that David, despite being king, is feeling physically weak and struggling. But God is rewarding the person who does evil – and specifically, the people who are causing trouble – with good things. It's a bit of a twist on the usual idea of punishment. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “And I [am] this day weak…” : David is admitting he’s not feeling his best. He’s experiencing physical weakness, which could be due to age, illness, or just general weariness. It's a moment of vulnerability. “…though anointed king…” : This is the crucial part. “Anointed” means chosen and qualified. David was an anointed king – he had a special position and authority. He was given this role by God. "...and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me…” : This refers to the people who are causing trouble - likely the Israelites during the time of the Babylonian exile. The phrase “sons of Zeruiah” is a bit tricky, but it's referring to a specific group of people – those who were consistently challenging David’s rule and resisting his authority. They were seen as stubborn and difficult. “the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” : This is where the magic happens. God isn't just punishing these people; He rewards them with good things. It means that whoever does evil – who acts unjustly, wrongfully, or maliciously – will be blessed, and their actions will have positive consequences. The "wickedness" refers to the specific actions causing trouble. Putting it all together: David is recognizing that he’s facing a difficult situation. He's not in a perfect position of power, but he's still recognized as king. However, his enemies (the people who are challenging him) are strong and resistant. God, in His wisdom, is saying that because they are so difficult, He will give rewards to those who do evil – specifically, those who act unjustly and cause trouble. It’s a message of hope: even though we're struggling, there’s a reward for those who choose the wrong path. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of David’s eventual downfall in the book of 2 Samuel. It highlights that even powerful rulers can be vulnerable and that God's judgment isn’t always about punishment but about balance and rewards. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of David’s life? Offer a different interpretation of the meaning?