Definition: And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, [which were] concubines, to keep the house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 15:16. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a king who made a very unusual decision – he chose to have ten women (called “concubines”) stay with him, essentially serving as his wives. It’s a significant shift from how kings typically ruled before. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the king went forth, and all his household after him.” – This tells us the king was leading a large group of people, likely his family and servants. “And the king left ten women, [which were] concubines…” – This is the key part. The king explicitly chose to have ten women assigned to him as his “wives.” These women are called "concubines" - meaning they were not meant to be partners in a traditional marriage but rather servants and companions. "...to keep the house." – This is where it gets interesting. The king decided that these ten women would be responsible for maintaining and managing his household, including his property, finances, and even perhaps his personal life. What's the Significance? This story is a bit of a shock because it goes against what we typically understand about kingship in ancient Israel. It suggests: A Shift in Power: The king was prioritizing personal pleasure over loyalty and responsibility to his people. He wasn’t solely focused on leading the nation; he was also choosing to have these women serve him. Potential for Abuse: This arrangement raises concerns about potential favoritism, control, and potentially even exploitation of these women. It highlights a possible imbalance in power dynamics within the king's court. Important Context (Briefly): This story is part of a larger narrative of David’s reign, and it's often interpreted as a sign that David was becoming increasingly isolated and perhaps tempted by the pleasures of the earthly world. It shows how even powerful rulers can be susceptible to corruption or choices that lead them away from their duties. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of this passage within religious traditions. Would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Discuss the potential meanings or symbolism behind it?