Definition: And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 13:25. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex verse that speaks to a moment of intense conflict and a king trying to manage a situation. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Absalom is angry: The verse starts with Absalom, the son of King David, feeling incredibly upset. He's clearly frustrated and wants to avoid a difficult situation. He asks for a delay: He demands a pause – “Nay, my son, let us not all now go…” This shows he’s prioritizing his own comfort and avoiding something unpleasant. The King is concerned: The king, David, understands this isn't just about Absalom wanting to skip things; it's a significant problem. He recognizes the potential for chaos if they continue to wander without direction. What the Verse Means – It’s About Control and Avoiding Conflict: “Let us not all now go…” : This is the key phrase. The king isn’t just asking Absalom to stop . He's saying they need to pause and consider the consequences of their actions. It’s a warning that this situation could escalate into something bigger. “…lest we be chargeable unto thee” : This is where it gets a little tricky, but it means “lest we face punishment.” David is worried about Absalom’s actions causing him harm or trouble. He's anticipating a negative outcome. It's like saying "if we don't be careful, we might get into trouble." “And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him” : This is the king’s forceful instruction. He's actively trying to stop Absalom from going. But he also offers a blessing – meaning he wants to see Absalom do well. Putting it all together: The verse describes a situation where King David is dealing with a rebellious son, Absalom, who is causing problems and potentially threatening the stability of his kingdom. David isn't simply letting Absalom wander; he's actively trying to control him and avoid negative consequences for everyone involved. The blessing at the end suggests that David wants to see Absalom succeed and be happy – but he’s doing it with a sense of caution and concern. Overall Significance: This passage highlights themes of: Control: David's desire to manage situations and prevent problems. Caution: He recognizes the potential for conflict and is trying to mitigate it. Care: He wants to ensure Absalom’s actions don't cause harm, even if it means making him wait. Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like a deeper dive into the symbolism behind the blessing? Or perhaps you have another Bible verse you'd like me to analyze?