2 Samuel 11:20

Arabic SAB (الكتاب الشريف)

رُبَّمَا يَغْضَبُ وَيَقُولُ: ’لِمَاذَا اقْتَرَبْتُمْ مِنَ الْمَدِينَةِ لِتُحَارِبُوا؟ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمُوا أَنَّهُمْ يَرْمُونَ السِّهَامَ مِنْ عَلَى السُّورِ؟

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a warning given about King David's potential anger if the battle strategy is questioned. The speaker anticipates that David might inquire why they fought so close to the city walls, exposing themselves to enemy archers.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you need to fight a team on the other side of a fence. If you get too close to the fence, the other team can easily hit you with their balls. This verse is about someone warning that the king might be upset if his soldiers got too close to the city wall, where enemies could shoot at them easily.

Historical Background

2 Samuel was written by multiple authors, possibly including the prophet Nathan, and is part of the historical books of the Old Testament. It was written around 900 BCE, providing a detailed account of King David's reign and the challenges he faced, including military conflicts.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of strategic planning. For example, a manager might consider how close to approach a deadline with a project, knowing that procrastination could lead to stress or mistakes, much like how getting too close to the city wall could lead to danger.

Topics

• strategy
• military
• leadership
• anger management
• warning
• consequences

Related Verses

• Joshua 6:5
• 1 Samuel 13:19
• Ezekiel 4:2
• Matthew 10:16
• Luke 14:31

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the verse mention King David's potential anger?

The verse anticipates that King David might be upset if his soldiers made a tactical error by getting too close to the city walls, thus exposing themselves to enemy fire.

What does this verse teach us about leadership?

It highlights the importance of clear communication and planning in leadership, and how leaders might react when their strategies are questioned or not followed.

How does this relate to modern warfare?

In modern warfare, understanding the potential for enemy fire and the importance of maintaining distance from fortified positions remains a crucial aspect of military strategy.

What can we learn from this about facing consequences?

This verse teaches us that there are consequences for our actions, and leaders or decision-makers must consider the outcomes of their strategies carefully to avoid negative repercussions.