Definition: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage. It's a really powerful and dramatic verse from the Book of Samuel, and it speaks to a profound sense of grief and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was a righteous person: David was known for being very faithful and just. He was considered a good king and a man of God. A wicked man killed him: A man named Absalom, David's brother, murdered David in his own home. This was a terrible act of violence. David is devastated: He’s filled with such grief and anger that he feels like he needs to punish the person who did this. He feels like he has to take action to ensure this wicked act never happens again. What the Verse Says – A Plea for Justice: “2 Samuel 4:11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? Shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?” "How much more..." : This isn’t just about the fact that someone killed David. It's a huge contrast. The verse immediately sets up a stark comparison – it’s much worse than simply killing someone in their house. "...wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed." : This is the core of the message. It highlights the extent of the evil. It’s not just a random act; it's a deliberate and brutal murder committed by those who are known for wickedness. "...Shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand..." : David feels compelled to take action, to demand punishment. He doesn't want this evil to continue. He’s essentially saying, "I can't just let this happen again; I need to make sure it's stopped." "...and take you away from the earth?" : This is a very strong statement. It implies that David feels he needs to completely remove the person who committed this heinous act from existence – maybe even his soul. It suggests a sense of finality and removal of the problem. What it Means on a Deeper Level: Justice and Retribution: The verse is rooted in the idea of divine justice. God wants to punish evil and protect His people. The Weight of Grief: It also speaks to the immense pain and sorrow that David feels, knowing his friend was murdered. It’s a moment of profound despair. Divine Sovereignty: There's a sense of God being in control and directing the consequences of this tragedy. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explain why David is so angry or why he feels compelled to take action. It focuses on the immediate consequence of the murder – a righteous person’s death. In short, this verse is a moment of intense grief and a desperate plea for justice in the face of terrible evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like forgiveness or repentance)?