Definition: And if so be that the kingâs wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 11:20. It's a really serious and shocking passage about King David’s arrogance and betrayal. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: David was leading his army into battle against the Philistines. He was incredibly boastful and arrogant, and he felt like he deserved special treatment and rewards. What Happened Next: As the battle raged, David suddenly stopped and addressed his soldiers. He asked them to return to the city walls and told them to shoot arrows at the approaching army. He essentially said, "You've come so close! You’re too close – why are you shooting at us?" The Meaning - It’s about Pride & Betrayal: This verse is a key part of understanding David's downfall. It shows: Arrogance and Pride: David was consumed by his own importance and believed he was above the law. He wasn't respecting God's rules or the people he was supposed to serve. Betrayal: He deliberately disobeyed a direct command from God (the king). He prioritized his own desire for praise over following divine instructions. In short, it’s a story about David’s pride leading him to betray God and his people. It's important to note: The verse doesn't explicitly say David was evil. It describes his behavior – his arrogance and disobedience. It highlights the consequences of prioritizing self-importance over righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a particular theme in this passage (like pride or obedience)? Give you some context about David's life leading up to this event?