Definition: And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated of David’s soul, [he shall be chief and captain]. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 5:8. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about David’s perspective and his control over his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David was feeling incredibly angry with someone who had wronged him – someone who was being treated badly. He decided to make that person the most important person in the entire community, essentially giving them a special position of power and influence. He wanted to punish them severely. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “2 Samuel 5:8” : This is the verse itself – it's from the Book of Samuel, part of the Old Testament Bible. It describes a specific event in David's life. "And David said on that day..." : David was feeling very upset and likely justified in his actions. He wasn’t just being mean; he was feeling a deep sense of injustice. "...Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated of David’s soul..." : This is where it gets a little more complex. Let's break down what "Jebusites" and "the lame and the blind" mean: Jebusites: This refers to people with disabilities – those who are physically impaired. It’s a specific group David felt a strong negative feeling towards. Smitting them: This is a crucial part! David wasn't just punishing them; he was making them into his enemies . He was actively trying to exclude them from the community, making them less valued and important than others. "[that are] hated of David’s soul..." : This means David felt a deep, personal hatred for these people. It wasn’t just an occasional annoyance; it was a powerful, ingrained feeling. So, what's the big picture? This verse illustrates a few key things about David: His Power: He was asserting his power over the community through this punishment. He was essentially creating a hierarchy where he controlled who was important. His Focus on Control: David was obsessed with maintaining control and making sure those he disliked were excluded. It shows a tendency towards tyranny – wanting to be in charge of everything. Important Note: This is a symbolic passage, not necessarily a literal description of what happened. It’s meant to highlight David's flawed thinking and the potential for his actions to lead to negative consequences. In short, this verse shows David prioritizing his own feelings over the well-being of others, creating a situation where he was essentially making certain people less valued. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail (like its significance within the larger narrative of David’s life)?