Definition: But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:17. It's a really significant and somewhat dramatic passage about a soldier’s loyalty and David’s desire for peace. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Abishai is a soldier: Abishai was a young, brave soldier serving under David. He’s sick and injured: He’s wounded and needs care. David asks him to leave: David, recognizing his suffering, tells Abishai to go home. Abishai promises to stay: But Abishai does promise to stay with David, even though he's hurt. What happened next? The Philistine army comes: A group of Philistines (a tribe from the east) attacks David’s forces. They want to kill him: The Philists are determined to defeat Abishai and end his life. The soldiers swear their loyalty: A group of David's soldiers, including Abishai, swear a solemn vow. They promise never to fight against him again. What does it mean? This verse is about the importance of loyalty and protection . It’s a powerful statement that: David values his soldiers: He recognizes that his men are vital to his success, and he wants to protect them. It's a commitment to peace: The soldiers are making a promise to not fight against David. This is crucial because it shows they’re willing to remain loyal and supportive of David’s kingdom. The Significance & Why It Matters: This verse highlights: David's authority: It demonstrates David’s power and control over his soldiers. The strength of loyalty: It emphasizes the importance of unwavering faithfulness, even in difficult times. A shift in strategy: David is making a conscious decision to prioritize peace and avoid conflict with the Philistines. In short, this verse shows how deeply valued a soldier’s loyalty is to their king, and it sets up a key part of the story – a period of relative peace for David. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you an analogy related to this passage?