Definition: So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels’ burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting story about leadership and a little bit about the King David! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Hazael is Visiting: The verse tells us that Hazael, a leader of the northern tribes of Israel, was visiting King David in Jerusalem. A Gift and a Plea: He brought with him a large amount of goods – 40 camels (which were very valuable animals used for trade) and a significant amount of money. He then asked King David if he could recover from a sickness. The Sickly King: The king was clearly unwell, and it seemed like he might not be able to continue ruling effectively. Let’s unpack the meaning layer by layer: 1. "So Hazael went to meet him..." : This establishes the context – Hazael is visiting David. 2. "...and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus..." : “Damascus” was a region in northern Syria (modern-day Turkey). The verse says Hazael brought everything he had – not just coins or gifts, but all the best things he could offer. “Good things” likely refers to trade goods and resources. 3. "...forty camels’ burden..." : This is a HUGE number! Forty camels were incredibly valuable. They were used for trade, transportation, and as living quarters for travelers. It speaks to Hazael's wealth and importance. 4. "...and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?" : This is the key part. The verse tells us that Benhadad, the king of Syria, was sending a message to David. He was worried about his health, and he was asking if David would let him recover from a sickness. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of leadership and concern for the well-being of those in power. It shows that King David wasn’t just focused on ruling; he was also mindful of the health and welfare of his people, even those who were distant and perhaps vulnerable. It suggests a level of care and consideration that goes beyond simple authority. Why is this story significant? David's Wisdom: It demonstrates David's wisdom and compassion – he wasn’t just a powerful king; he was also thoughtful about the needs of those around him. Divine Providence: The verse hints at a larger plan or divine purpose, as David's concern for his own health is linked to a broader concern for the kingdom. Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, we could delve deeper into the symbolism of camels or explore the context of this time period in ancient Israel.