Definition: Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, [whom] the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give [them].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:6. It’s a really complex and somewhat unsettling passage, so we'll try to make it understandable. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Man is Being Held Captive: A man named David (who is mentioned earlier in the Bible) is being held captive by a powerful king – specifically, King Saul of Israel. He's not free to go anywhere. Seven Men are Selected: The king has chosen seven men from David’s family to be his servants and to be held captive. They Will Be Hangged Up: These seven men will be hung up in a specific location – Gibeah of Saul, which is an area near the city of Saul (where David was King). The King Offers a Gift: The king, recognizing the significance of these men, decides to give them something as a reward for their service. What’s the Significance? This verse is incredibly dramatic and filled with symbolism. It's about a very unusual arrangement and raises some serious questions: David's Status: This situation highlights David's power and his position as King of Israel. He's being controlled by someone else, which underscores the political landscape of the time. The "Lord's Choice": The phrase “the LORD did choose” is crucial. It suggests that this wasn’t a random decision; it was ordained by God. It implies a divine purpose behind this arrangement. Gibeah – A Sacred Area: Gibeah was a sacred, but somewhat dangerous, area of Jerusalem where people performed rituals and were considered vulnerable. Hanging these men up there reinforces the idea that they're being treated with respect, even in a brutal way. Overall Interpretation - It’s a Bit Dark: This verse is often interpreted as a very difficult and potentially troubling situation for David. It speaks to themes of: Loss of Control: David is trapped and under the control of another person. Divine Justice (or Punishment): The arrangement suggests that God is involved in this situation, perhaps punishing David or overseeing a larger pattern. Power Dynamics: There’s a clear imbalance of power – the king's authority versus the fate of these seven men. Important Note: It's important to remember that this passage isn’t meant to be read as a straightforward historical account. It’s rich with symbolism and is often viewed as a reflection of deeper theological themes about God’s relationship with humanity. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse, like its context within the Bible, or perhaps discuss some of the interpretations surrounding it? For example, would you like to know: More about the significance of Gibeah? How this verse relates to David’s later life and his relationship with God?