Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
Now hurry and send word to David, saying, 'Don't spend the night in the desert plains, but cross over quickly; otherwise the king and all the people with him will be destroyed.'
This verse shows urgent advice being given to warn David to flee immediately because his life and his followers' lives are in serious danger.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Absalom's rebellion when David fled Jerusalem after his son Absalom staged a coup. Hushai, David's loyal counselor who stayed behind as a spy, had just convinced Absalom to delay his pursuit, giving David precious time to escape. The messenger is now racing to warn David that he must keep moving and cross the Jordan River to safety before Absalom's forces can catch up.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.