Definition: And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 21:27. It's a really significant moment in the story of King David and his relationship with his enemies. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ahab is angry: The verse tells us that King Ahab, who was a powerful and vengeful king, was deeply angered by David’s growing popularity and success. He's trying to silence him: Ahab wanted to stop David from becoming a leader and influence in Israel. He believed David was a threat to his power. He lashes out: As a result of this anger, Ahab did something incredibly shocking – he tore his clothes (and essentially, his entire body) and put on a large amount of sackcloth (a kind of cloth used for burial). This was a dramatic display of distress and repentance. What it Means - A Symbolic Explanation: “Rented his clothes” : This is a metaphor. It means Ahab pretended to be dead, or at least incredibly distressed. He was trying to disguise himself as lifeless to avoid facing David's wrath. "Put sackcloth upon his flesh" : This is the core of the imagery. Sackcloth symbolizes repentance and deep sorrow. It represents a profound sense of shame and guilt. It’s like he was overwhelmed by remorse for his actions. “Faced, and lay in sackcloth” : He essentially became a symbol of despair – he was completely consumed by grief and regret. He was lying down in this state of mourning. The Significance: This is a powerful moment that shows: Ahab’s extreme anger: It demonstrates the depth of his hatred towards David. David’s growing influence: It highlights how David’s popularity and success were unsettling to Ahab, demonstrating the power of those who challenge authority. The beginning of repentance: This act was a crucial step in David's journey toward repentance – recognizing his wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness. In short, this verse paints a picture of a king consumed by rage and remorse, attempting to hide himself from the consequences of his actions. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of 1 Kings 21? Discuss the context of this story in more detail?