Definition: And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing [thereof, to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 2:32. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that speaks about God’s justice and punishment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is punishing someone who was already good, but he fell down and died – and his death had consequences for those who were better than him. It’s a powerful statement about God’s judgment and the consequences of wrongdoing. Let's break it down word by word: “And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head…” This is key. “Blood” in this context isn’t just blood spilled – it refers to God’s punishment, His justice. "Return his blood" means that God will take something away from him, a consequence for his actions. “…who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he…” This describes someone who was already good – maybe a king or leader – but they made a mistake. “More righteous” and “better than he” mean they were even more good than the person who died. “…and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing [thereof, to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.” This tells us who these people were: Abner: A leader of the Israelite army. Amasa: A leader of the Judahite army. The Sword: The Bible says God used a sword to kill them – this is a symbol of divine punishment. “My father David…” This clarifies who’s being punished – it's not just any David, but David himself! It’s saying that God’s justice is being applied to someone who was already connected to the David line. What does this mean in a bigger picture? This verse highlights several important themes: Divine Justice: God is acting fairly and impartially. He isn't just punishing people randomly; he's taking action based on what is right. God’s Sovereignty: He controls everything, including who lives and dies. The Consequences of Choice: This verse emphasizes that our choices have consequences – even those we don’t realize yet. Important Note: It's a complex passage, and there are different interpretations. Some scholars believe this story shows how God is showing mercy, but also delivering punishment for sin. It’s a powerful example of how justice can be both harsh and ultimately just. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of David and his reign?