2 Samuel 11:19
French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, someone is giving instructions to a messenger about what to say to the king after reporting on the war. The speaker is likely Joab, who is giving orders to the messenger on how to approach King David. The key message is about conveying information carefully.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where you have to tell your friend a secret. You're telling your friend something important, but before you do, you tell your friend to wait until the right time to share it with the teacher. That's what's happening here, but with grown-ups and a war story.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of 2 Samuel, written by various authors, likely including the prophet Nathan and others, around the 6th century BCE. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was during the reign of King David, when battles and diplomatic relations were central to the nation's life.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse teaches us about the importance of timing and discretion when sharing information. For instance, if you have news that might upset someone, it's wise to think about the best time and way to share it, much like the messenger here is instructed on how to approach the king.