Definition: And the king said, [Is not] the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, [As] thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 14:19. It's a really interesting and dramatic passage about betrayal and a king’s anger. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Joab is Disappointed: The King of Israel (Samuel) is upset with Joab, his commander in the army. He’s feeling like Joab isn't doing a good enough job. Joab Accuses Him: Joab tells the King that he believes he is being undermined – that someone else is controlling him or interfering with his decisions. The Woman Interjects: A woman, named “the handmaid” (likely a servant), steps forward and speaks to the King. She says something very powerful: “As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken.” What Does That Mean? Let’s unpack it word by word: “Thy soul liveth”: This means Joab's spirit – his will and desires – is alive. It implies he’s feeling a powerful, internal force. “My lord the king”: This refers to the King of Israel. “None can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken.” This is the crucial part. It's saying that nothing can be done against what the King has said or commanded. It’s a complete and absolute prohibition. Putting it Together: Joab is telling the King that he believes someone is actively trying to undermine his authority, and that no one can do anything against what he’s saying. The woman is essentially proclaiming that the King's word is law, and no one can disobey it. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is a strong statement of power and control. It suggests: Absolute Authority: The King holds absolute authority and isn’t open to debate or challenge. Fear & Subjugation: Joab is essentially trying to make the King believe he's powerless. A Shift in Power: This verse marks a turning point, where the King becomes increasingly isolated and reliant on his own judgment - and perhaps beginning to feel a sense of unease about his own authority. In short, it’s a powerful moment of betrayal where Joab challenges the King's control, and the woman’s words solidify the King’s dominance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about the historical context (when was this written)? Discuss possible interpretations of the verse’s meaning?