Definition: And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David’s servants, [and] brought gifts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 8:2. It’s a really significant passage about God’s judgment and ultimately, restoration. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s powerful action of punishing the people of Moab after they rebelled against him. But it doesn’t just punish them – it also restores their place under David’s rule. Think of it as a really, REALLY forceful and deliberate act of justice. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he smote Moab…” : This means God directly attacked and defeated the people of Moab. It wasn’t just a random attack; it was a deliberate action to show his power and wrath. “…and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. God didn't just defeat them – he destroyed them. He used a “line” (a straight path) to mark them as defeated. This suggests a complete and utter loss of their power and standing. They were essentially removed from the land. “Even with two lines measured, he to put to death…” : This is a crucial part. God didn’t just punish them; he executed them. He used a "line" – signifying a specific punishment – to definitively kill them. This emphasizes the severity of his action. “…and with one full line to keep alive.” : This is where it gets even more interesting. God then used one line, but this line wasn't just about death. It was a symbolic line – a guarantee that they would continue to be under his control and protected. It’s like a promise of continued existence. “And [so] the Moabites became David’s servants, [and] brought gifts.” : This is the key part – the consequence of this punishment. Because God decided to let them live under his rule , they were now obligated to serve him. They weren't just tolerated; they were appointed to be servants. And because of their service, they began bringing gifts to David – showing their loyalty and devotion. In a nutshell: God punished the Moabites severely, but then he gave them a chance to be under his control. He used a very specific punishment (a line) to demonstrate his power, and then he chose to allow them to serve him in exchange for gifts – a demonstration of his favor and loyalty. Why is this important? This verse is important because it shows God’s sovereignty – His absolute authority over all things. He isn't just watching events happen; He actively participates in them, and often with very decisive actions. It also highlights the idea that even after a great loss or punishment, there can be a path to restoration and new relationships. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you a comparison to another verse in the Bible? Discuss the historical context of this passage?