Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
And if he retreats into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the river until not even one small stone is left there.
The speaker is describing how thoroughly they would destroy any city that gives David shelter - they would completely demolish it stone by stone.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Absalom's counselor Hushai's advice during Absalom's rebellion against his father King David. Hushai was actually David's secret ally, giving deliberately bad military counsel to sabotage Absalom's campaign. This extreme language about destroying entire cities was meant to sound impressive but was actually impractical advice that would delay Absalom's pursuit of David.
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