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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 20 - Verse 3

20:3
And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.

Meaning

After returning to his house in Jerusalem, King David took the ten concubines he had left to keep the house and put them in a separate place, providing for their needs but refraining from physical intimacy with them. By doing so, he essentially placed them in a form of house arrest, where they lived the rest of their lives in a state of widowhood. This action can be seen as a consequence of the sin and turmoil that surrounded David's household, particularly stemming from his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah. The verse serves as a reflection of the consequences of David's actions, where the innocent women who were caught in the midst of his transgressions were left isolated and neglected. It reflects the complexities of human relationships and the ripple effects of sin in the lives of those involved, highlighting the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends for one's wrongdoings.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 2 Samuel, we see the aftermath of David's sin with Bathsheba. The fact that David took these women as concubines and kept them in ward, but did not go in to them, can be viewed as a form of punishment or consequence for his actions. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a demonstration of the consequences of sin and the impact it can have on not just the individual involved, but also on those around them. The act of David not going in to these women can be interpreted as a form of repentance or a recognition of his wrongdoing.

Word studies on this verse can shed light on the significance of certain terms used, such as 'concubines,' 'ward,' and 'widowhood.' Understanding the cultural context of these terms can provide deeper insight into the dynamics of David's household and the societal norms of the time. The theological implications of this verse can lead to discussions on relationships, power dynamics, and the consequences of actions in the context of biblical teachings.

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