Definition: And the king said unto Cushi, [Is] the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do [thee] hurt, be as [that] young man [is].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 18:32. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about leadership and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when a king or leader faces a serious threat – someone who wants to harm him or his people – they need to be incredibly careful and aware of all the potential dangers. It’s like saying, “Be vigilant and don't underestimate anyone.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the king said unto Cushi…” : This establishes who is speaking - the king. “…Is [is] the young man Absalom safe?” : This is a question – the king is asking if the young man named Absalom (who was previously involved in trouble) is secure and protected. “And Cushi answered…” : Cushi, who is a servant or advisor to the king, provides an answer. “…The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do [thee] hurt, be as [that] young man [is].” : This is the key part. Cushi's response uses a powerful metaphor: “enemies of my lord the king” : This means someone who is actively trying to harm or destroy the king and his kingdom. “…all that rise against thee to do thee hurt…” : This is saying that anyone who wants to cause trouble, to cause harm, or to undermine the king's power is a threat. “be as [that] young man [is].” : This is where it gets really interesting. Cushi compares the person to a young man – specifically, a young man like Absalom . He’s saying: “Just like that young man, you must be vigilant and aware of all the potential dangers." Overall Meaning: The verse warns the king to be extremely cautious about anyone who might try to harm him. It's a call for vigilance and preparedness - a reminder that every person has the potential to cause trouble, and he needs to be ready to deal with any threat, no matter how small it seems. It’s emphasizing a sense of responsibility and protection for the people under his care. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of leadership – that leaders have a duty to protect their people and ensure their safety. It highlights the importance of awareness, caution, and being prepared for potential threats. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a broader theme (like responsibility or divine protection)?