Definition: Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 11:25. It’s a pretty serious and impactful passage about betrayal and punishment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David is telling his messenger (likely a trusted advisor) to make Joab’s battles more aggressive and forceful, specifically against the city he’s controlling. He wants Joab to take action and ultimately defeat the city. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then David said unto the messenger…” – This sets the scene: David is speaking directly to someone he trusts. “…Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee…” – David is instructing the messenger to be direct and clear with Joab. He wants him to understand why this is important. "...make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it.” – This is the core message: David wants Joab to win a big victory over the city. He doesn’t just want a minor skirmish; he wants a decisive defeat. "...and encourage thou him." - Finally, David's urging is to support and help Joab succeed in his efforts. He’s giving him the encouragement and guidance needed to push forward. What does this mean about betrayal? This verse speaks to a significant act of betrayal – David betrayed Jonathan. Jonathan had sworn an oath to protect David, but David broke that promise. This action fueled resentment and ultimately led to the downfall of Jonathan. Context is Key: This verse appears after David has been tricked into thinking Jonathan was dead. He’s essentially saying, "I'm going to make you a powerful warrior to punish you for this betrayal." It highlights the consequences of deceit and how it can lead to conflict and revenge. In short, this verse is a warning about the dangers of betrayal and the potential for retribution. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Samuel 11? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or theme?