Definition: And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 3:21. It's a really poignant and complex passage about grief and God’s perspective. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: King David was breastfeeding his son, sickly and unwell. He was trying to comfort him, but he realized the child was dying. He then paused, thought about it, and… the child died. What it Means – A Bit More Detail: “And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck…” : This sets the scene - David was actively caring for his son. He was focused on feeding him. “…behold, it was dead:” This is a direct statement of reality – the child had died. It’s a heartbreaking moment of loss. “But when I had considered it in the morning…” : This is the crucial part. David paused and thought about it. He wasn't just momentarily distracted; he really considered it. He wrestled with the idea that maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t his son. “…behold, it was not my son, which I did bear:” This is the core of the message. David realized that he had been the one who caused the child's death. He hadn’t been the father; he’d been the cause of the loss. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse highlights several important themes: Responsibility and Guilt: It shows us that we are responsible for our actions, even when they have devastating consequences. David was directly culpable in his son's death. God’s Perspective: It emphasizes God’s awareness and judgment. He sees everything – even the smallest actions – and knows the truth. He isn't just passively observing; he is actively involved in the outcome. The Nature of Parenthood: It prompts us to consider what it truly means to be a parent, especially when our child is suffering. In short, this verse is a story about grief, regret, and God’s unwavering awareness of our actions. It's a moment of profound sorrow and a reminder that even in the midst of pain, God remains watching and involved. --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/1Kings321](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/1Kings321) (Allows you to read the verse in different translations and contexts) Insights Bible: [https://insightsbiblestore.com/bible/1-kings-32-1/](https://insightsbiblestore.com/bible/1-kings-32-1/) (Provides a detailed explanation with commentary) Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer for you? For example, would you like to know: What does it mean in the context of David's life and his relationship with God? How does this verse relate to other biblical stories about loss or repentance?