Definition: Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 1:12. It's a really important and dramatic verse in the story of David and God’s relationship with him. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying God is warning David about a serious danger – he’s about to do something that could be very bad for himself and his son. Let's unpack it word by word: “Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel…” - “Now” signals a pause and a warning. “Therefore” means God is speaking urgently. “Let me, I pray thee” – this is a plea from God to David. It’s like saying, "Please, David, listen to me." “…that thou mayest save thine own life…” - This is the most crucial part. “Thou” is a formal way of addressing David, and “save thine own life” means to stay alive – to avoid danger or harm. "...and the life of thy son Solomon." - This adds a huge layer of significance. "Thy" again refers to David, and "Solomon" is his son. This suggests that David’s actions could have devastating consequences for his family, specifically his son. Overall Meaning – A Warning About Potential Danger The verse essentially says God is warning David that he’s about to do something that puts himself and his son at risk of serious harm. It's a call to caution and a plea for wisdom. Why is this important? This passage is a cornerstone of the story of David and God’s relationship. It highlights: God’s Watchful Eye: It shows that God is constantly watching over his people and aware of their actions. Responsibility: It underscores the responsibility that comes with power and influence. Divine Intervention: It hints at a potential divine intervention – God might intervene to prevent something bad from happening. In short, this verse presents a serious situation where David is being warned about a potentially catastrophic outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like its place in the larger story)?