Definition: And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence [art] thou? And he answered, I [am] the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 1:13. It’s a really important and slightly surprising part of David’s story! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, David is admitting he’s not descended from the king of Israel. Let’s unpack that: “And David said unto the young man that told him…” : This tells us who is speaking. David is addressing a young man (likely a servant or someone he trusted) who was telling him about his origins. “…Whence [art] thou?” : This is a question, asking “Where do you come from?” It's a curious way of putting it – David is acknowledging a significant difference in his lineage. “And he answered, I am the son of a stranger…” This is the key part! He explicitly states that he’s not descended from the king of Israel. What does this mean? This is a really unusual and somewhat mysterious detail in David's story. It suggests a few possibilities: He was born outside the borders of Israel: This could be an explanation for why he wasn’t chosen to lead the Israelites into battle or become king. It implies he came from a place where the kingdom of Israel didn't extend. A long-lost lineage: It might point to a forgotten branch of his family tree that existed before the time of David. Why is this significant? This verse is a foundational moment in understanding David’s character and his relationship with God. It sets up the narrative for later events where David's identity will be revealed, and it introduces the idea of a unique origin for him – one that wasn't part of the traditional Israelite story. In short, it's a simple statement about his background, but it’s also a clue to a deeper understanding of who he was. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Samuel? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger context of David's life and story?