Definition: And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecariesâ art: and they made a very great burning for him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 16:14. It's a really powerful and dramatic verse that describes a significant event in the early history of Jerusalem. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: King David Built a Tomb: The verse tells us that King David, after his death, had planned a special burial place for himself. He built a tomb – a structure – in the city of David (which is now Jerusalem). He Decorated It: David wasn't just burying him; he decorated it with things to make it feel like a beautiful and welcoming space. He included lots of sweet smells and spices, likely brought by apothecaries (people who made perfumes and medicines). A Huge Burning: The most shocking part is that they set fire to the tomb . This wasn’t just a simple burial; it was a massive, deliberate act of desecration. Putting It All Together – A Simple Explanation: David buried his own body in a lavish and decorated tomb he had built for himself. He then deliberately lit the tomb on fire. Important Context & Why This Matters: David’s Legacy: This event is significant because it shows David's ambition and desire to be remembered in a grand way. It was a deliberate attempt to solidify his legacy as king. Religious Significance: The burning of the tomb is often interpreted as a symbolic act – a warning or a judgment about David's actions. It suggests that David’s pride and perhaps his disrespect for God led to this tragic event. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a king who sought to create a magnificent memorial for himself, but ultimately caused immense suffering. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like spices and burning)? Talk about the context of this story within the larger narrative of David's life and reign?