2 Samuel 17:20
Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)
فَجَاءَ عَبِيدُ أَبْشَالُومَ إِلَى ٱلْمَرْأَةِ إِلَى ٱلْبَيْتِ وَقَالُوا: «أَيْنَ أَخِيمَعَصُ وَيُونَاثَانُ؟» فَقَالَتْ لَهُمُ ٱلْمَرْأَةُ: «قَدْ عَبَرَا قَنَاةَ ٱلْمَاءِ». وَلَمَّا فَتَّشُوا وَلَمْ يَجِدُوهُمَا رَجَعُوا إِلَى أُورُشَلِيمَ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells about a woman who helped Ahimaaz and Jonathan escape from Absalom's servants by saying they crossed a brook. The servants couldn't find them and returned to Jerusalem. The key message is about deception and escape.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek, and your friend is hiding. If someone asks where your friend is, you might say they went to the playground, even if they didn't, to help them win the game. That's what this lady did to help Ahimaaz and Jonathan.
Historical Background
The book of 2 Samuel was written by multiple authors, possibly including the prophet Nathan and the prophet Gad, around the 9th century BC. It focuses on the reign of King David and the events leading up to his son Absalom's rebellion. The cultural setting involves the kingdom of Israel and the conflicts within the royal family.
Living It Out Today
Think about a time when you had to lie to protect someone from trouble. Maybe you told your friend's parents that your friend was at the library when they were actually at a party. This shows the complexity of truth and protection in our lives.
Topics
deceptionloyaltyescapeprotectionconflicttruth
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the woman lie about where Ahimaaz and Jonathan were?
The woman lied to protect Ahimaaz and Jonathan from Absalom's servants, showing how she prioritized their safety over honesty.
What can we learn about Absalom's character from this verse?
Absalom's actions reveal his ruthless nature and his pursuit of power, as he sends servants to find and presumably harm his father's supporters.
How does this story relate to themes of truth and deception?
The story highlights the complexity of truth and deception, showing how deception can be used to protect others, challenging our understanding of moral absolutes.
What was the cultural significance of hiding and escaping in ancient Israel?
Hiding and escaping were common survival tactics in ancient Israel, especially during times of political unrest and conflict among royal factions.