This verse is referring to King David after the death of his newborn son, conceived through his adultery with Bathsheba. Let's break down the meaning:

"The elders of his house arose beside him, to raise him up from the earth": David was in a state of deep mourning and distress. He had been lying on the ground, possibly fasting and praying, hoping God would spare the child's life. The elders, likely important advisors and members of his court, saw his grief and tried to comfort him and get him back on his feet. They wanted to help him resume his duties and perhaps prevent further decline in his health.

"but he would not, and he didn’t eat bread with them": David refused their efforts. He continued to mourn and fast, rejecting any comfort or attempt to return to normal life. His refusal to eat was a common sign of mourning in that culture, showing the depth of his sorrow. It signifies that he was inconsolable and unwilling to break his state of penitence until he felt he had properly grieved and accepted God's decision.

In essence, this verse highlights David's profound grief and his determination to express it fully before resuming his royal duties. It underscores the cultural practices of mourning in ancient Israel and the importance placed on expressing grief. It also shows David's complex character: a powerful king brought low by guilt, sorrow, and acceptance of divine will.