Book of Judges - Chapter 3 - Verse 19

The verse "But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him" comes from the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. In this passage, a man approaches King Eglon with a secret message, requesting privacy by instructing everyone to leave the room. This verse highlights the secretive nature of the message being delivered and the importance of confidentiality in the communication between the man and the king. The man's actions demonstrate the caution and discretion required when dealing with sensitive information, as well as the protocol of seeking a private audience with a king in ancient times. This verse serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in royal courts and the need for careful communication in such environments.

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse in the context of its surrounding passages, we see a significant moment in the narrative of the Old Testament. The verse describes a clandestine meeting between King Eglon and Ehud, who had just delivered a tribute to the king. The phrase "secret errand" used by Ehud carries a weight of deception and cunning, as it foreshadows the assassination of King Eglon by Ehud. The turning away from the quarries near Gilgal holds symbolic meaning as well, hinting at the turning away from the routine and expected to embark on a mission of divine importance. The command to "Keep silence" from the king serves to heighten the suspense and tension of the scene, adding to the dramatic nature of the narrative. Overall, the verse offers a glimpse into the intricate narrative structure of the Bible, showcasing the layers of symbolism and meaning that can be found within a single passage.