Definition: And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, [that] will I do for you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:4. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising part of the story of David and Saul. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes how David was given a powerful, almost magical, opportunity to protect Saul – the King of Israel – without any payment or reward. Essentially, he’s being offered a guarantee of safety and protection. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Gibeonites said unto him…” - This refers to the Gibeonites, who were a group of people living in the region near Philistine borders. They were known for being quite wealthy and having lots of possessions. “…we will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel.” - This is the core of the verse. The Gibeonites are saying they will not give Saul any valuables – no silver coins, no gold jewelry, nothing. They’re refusing to allow anyone to harm him. “And he said, What ye shall say, [that] will I do for you.” - This is the crucial part. David, being a skilled orator and strategist, was given the chance to make a powerful statement. He was essentially offering a deal: whatever he says will be granted to him. What does this mean practically? This verse is a huge signal of David’s growing influence and divine favor. It shows that God is interested in his actions and desires to help him. It suggests: God's Favor: This isn't just about protecting Saul; it's about demonstrating God's love and blessing through David. David’s Power & Influence: The verse highlights David’s growing stature and ability to command respect, even within the context of political power. Divine Intervention: It shows that God is actively involved in events and wants to use his actions – specifically, his words – to shape outcomes. In short, this verse is a pivotal moment where David's speech was given him incredible leverage and sets the stage for significant events in the story of Saul’s life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger narrative of Samuel? Explore what it might mean symbolically (e.g., David's rise to power)?