Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 19 - Verse 26
Meaning
The verse "And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame." is found in the Book of 2 Samuel in the Old Testament. In this verse, a servant of King David explains to him that he was deceived by another servant. The servant had told him that he was going to saddle an ass so that he could ride to the king since he was lame. However, it turns out that the servant deceived him, and he did not fulfill his promise. This verse illustrates the importance of honesty and integrity in all interactions, especially within the kingdom of David. It also shows the consequences of deceit and how it can impact relationships and trust between individuals.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the speaker is explaining to the king how his servant had deceived him by saying he would saddle an ass to ride to the king, when in fact the servant was unable to do so due to being lame. The phrase "thy servant is lame" is significant as it reveals the physical condition of the speaker, which may have hindered his ability to fulfill his original intention to visit the king. The word "lame" here is derived from the Hebrew word "פִּסֵּחַ" (piseach) which can also mean crippled or disabled. This word study provides insight into the challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities in ancient times, as well as the importance of honesty and truthfulness in communication. The theological interpretation of this verse may emphasize the themes of integrity, humility, and dependence on others for support in times of need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding towards those who may be physically or socially marginalized.