Definition: Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so [is] my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:17. It's a really significant passage about David and his relationship with God. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: David was feeling insecure and worried that God wouldn’t favor him as king. He was asking God to confirm that He was truly special and worthy of the throne. The verse essentially says, "God is looking down on me and recognizing my worthiness." Let's look at it piece by piece: “Then thine handmaid said…” : This refers to a woman who was close to David – likely his advisor or confidante. “…The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable…” : David was worried that God wasn’t protecting him, and he feared He might lose his position as king. “For as an angel of God, so [is] my lord the king to discern good and bad” : This is the really important part! The verse compares David to an angel of God. It means that God is watching over him and knows what’s best for him. He's essentially saying that God is discerning – looking closely – and recognizing his true character and intentions. “Therefore, the LORD thy God will be with thee.” : Finally, David understood that because God was watching and discerning, He would be with him, offering protection and strength. In a nutshell: David was feeling anxious and questioning if he was truly worthy of his position as king. The verse says that God is aware of this and is comforting David, assuring him that His presence will be with him because He recognizes his worthiness. What does it mean for us today? This passage speaks to the importance of trusting in God even when we don’t understand why things are happening or feel uncertain. It's a reminder that: God is always watching over us. He knows our intentions and will protect us. We shouldn’t doubt His goodness. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps relate it to a specific situation? For example, are you curious about: Why David might have been feeling anxious? What does this verse say about the role of advisors in leadership?