Definition: And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he [be] alone, [there is] tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from 2 Samuel 18:25. Itโs a really interesting and symbolic passage about judgment and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: When God calls someone to watch over something important โ like a kingdom or a city โ He expects them to be serious and thoughtful about what they are doing. Heโs giving them a task with a specific weight on their shoulders. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And the watchman cried, and told the king." - This describes someone who is assigned to keep an eye on something. Theyโre essentially tasked with being vigilant. "And the king said, If he [be] alone, there is tidings in his mouth." โ This is the key part. The King isn't just asking if he is responsible; heโs asking him to be thoughtful and aware of something important. Heโs implying that the watchman needs to have a clear understanding of what they are dealing with. "Tidings in his mouth" suggests a secret, potentially weighty message or revelation. โAnd he came apace, and drew near.โ โ This shows that the king is demanding action from the watchman. He's requesting them to come closer, implying a serious discussion or a need for careful consideration. Whatโs the overall meaning? It suggests a situation where God is placing responsibility on someone. The King isn't just asking for obedience; he's setting up a challenge โ a test of understanding and responsibility. It implies there might be something significant happening that requires thoughtful attention. Context is important: This verse usually appears in the context of the Old Testament, particularly concerning the judgment of those who were entrusted with watching over Israel. Itโs a reminder that even when we are assigned to watch over things, it's our responsibility to be aware and consider what we're doing. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage? Or do you have any specific questions about it?