Definition: And David said to Abner, [Art] not thou a [valiant] man? and who [is] like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 26:15. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about betrayal and responsibility. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Situation: David is feeling insecure. David was King of Israel, but he was feeling uneasy about his position. He felt like he wasn't powerful enough to protect the king (the king of Israel). Abner is being unfaithful. Abner, a trusted advisor to David, is secretly working with Goliath, the enemy of Israel. He’s essentially betraying David and helping them attack the king. David confronts him. David directly questions Abner about his actions. He's asking if he’s brave enough to stand up against Goliath. What the Verse Means – Let’s unpack it: "[Art] not thou a valiant man?" This is a harsh question from David. It means, "Are you really as brave and capable as I am?" It's a test of David's strength and his willingness to take on a huge challenge. "and who is like to thee in Israel?" This highlights David’s feeling of being inadequate. He's realizing he doesn't have anyone strong enough to defend the king. "wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king?" This is the crucial part. David is asking, "Why haven't you protected your lord, the King? You're abandoning your duty!" The Implication – It’s a Warning This verse sets up a situation where David is facing serious consequences for his actions. He's being called to take responsibility for his betrayal and for potentially causing harm to the king. It's a warning about the dangers of disloyalty and the importance of honoring one's responsibilities. In essence, it’s a moment of crisis where David recognizes he needs to address his actions and face potential punishment. --- To help me explain this verse further or answer any specific questions you have, let me know: Are you curious about the context of the story? Do you want to understand why this verse is significant in biblical history?