Definition: Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 11:21. It’s a really shocking and unsettling story about betrayal and injustice. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Abimelech was King: Abimelech was the king of Israel during a time of great trouble. A Woman's Betrayal: A woman, named Ruth, tricked Abimelech into letting her and her family stay in his house for a short time. She convinced him that she was innocent and that he needed to be lenient with them. The Millstone: Ruth, knowing she was caught, used a millstone (a heavy stone) and placed it on Abimelech’s wall. This was a brutal act of revenge. Abimelech Dies: Abimelech died from his injuries when the millstone fell down. Now, let's get to the key part – what happened after the event: The Pilgrims Go Nearby: A group of pilgrims (perhaps travelers) traveled near the wall where the millstone was. The Question: They then asked Abimelech, "Why did you go nigh the wall?" What does this verse mean? This is a powerful message about betrayal and the consequences of disobedience. It’s saying that: Abimelech was a traitor: He betrayed his own people by allowing Ruth to stay with him. Ruth's Revenge: Ruth, driven by anger and a desire for revenge, used a cruel tactic – placing a millstone on his wall. This wasn't just a simple act of spite; it was a deliberate attempt to cause suffering and death. Uriah’s Death: The most crucial part is that Ruth’s actions resulted in the death of her servant, Uriah. This shows how even someone who believed he was acting for good could be corrupted by malice. In essence, this verse highlights a story about injustice, betrayal, and the potential for evil to take root when trust is broken. It’s a reminder that sometimes, people can do terrible things because of their own actions and desires. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this story to a broader theme (like the importance of loyalty or trust)?