Definition: Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 19:7. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic passage about a king’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that the king is going to be extremely harsh with his servants if they don’t go out at night. It’s a warning about potential consequences, and it emphasizes the king's absolute authority and power. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore arise, go forth…” : This is a command – the king is telling his servants to start moving . It’s a call to action. “…and speak comfortably unto thy servants:” : The king isn't demanding something; he's asking them to talk and be polite. He wants them to be respectful. “for I swear by the LORD…” : This is a crucial part – it’s a declaration of absolute truth and authority. The king is saying this with serious weight. "I" is used here to emphasize that the king's word is law. “…if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night:” : This is the big warning. If they don’t go out, one person will be left behind and suffer a terrible fate. “Tarry” means to linger or wait – it suggests being left alone and vulnerable. “and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.” : This is the most chilling part. The king isn’t just saying this will be bad; he’s stating it will be far worse than any misfortune that happened to him in his life – starting with when he was a young boy. It's emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the king’s immense power. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the consequences of disobedience or betrayal. It speaks to: Absolute Power: The king holds tremendous authority, and he isn’t afraid to use it. Justice: The king is dispensing justice – punishing those who fail to fulfill their duties. Divine Judgment: It's a moment where God is watching and judging the king’s actions. In short, this verse presents a severe consequence for failing to obey a king's command, suggesting that the punishment will be significant. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context (when was this verse written)? Compare it to other examples of divine judgment in the Bible?