Definition: And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, [even] to his house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 19:11. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about David and his son Absalom. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: David was facing a crisis. He had Absalom, his son, who was rebelling against him and the kingdom. He sent two priests – Zadok and Abiathar – to ask them why they were the last people to return the king (David) to his palace. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar…” This tells us this is a formal request, likely from David himself. He's essentially saying, "Hey, we need your help." “…saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying…” "Judah" refers to the people of Judah – basically, the southern part of Israel. The elders are older and more experienced members of that community. "...Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house?" This is the core of the verse. David is asking why they’re the last to return him. He's questioning their actions – are they deliberately delaying? Are they making a mistake? The Meaning - It’s About Delay and Recklessness: This verse paints a picture of a period of intense delay and perhaps a certain degree of recklessness within Judah. David felt that the people were not returning him to his palace quickly enough, and they weren't prioritizing the right thing to do – bringing him back. The Significance - It Highlights a Problem: This verse is significant because it points to a deeper problem in Israel’s leadership: Lack of Responsibility: It suggests that Judah wasn't taking responsibility for their actions. Ignoring God’s Will: There was a sense that they weren't listening to the voice of God, which is crucial for righteous rule. Potentially Unsafe Situation: David felt threatened by this delay and believed it could lead to disaster for the kingdom. In short, it’s a warning about the dangers of procrastination, disrespect towards God, and a potential crisis within Israel. Important Note: It’s a complex passage that has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It's often seen as a foreshadowing of the downfall of Judah. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to other biblical stories or events? Discuss its historical context (e.g., when was it written)?