This verse describes a clever act of deception in 2 Samuel 17:19. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: This verse is part of the story where Jonathan and Ahimaaz are acting as messengers for David, who is fleeing from his rebellious son Absalom. They are hiding at the well of a man in Bahurim. Absalom's soldiers are searching for them.
"The woman took and spread the covering over the well's mouth": The woman who owns the well (or lives nearby and is helping David) covers the opening of the well. This is a crucial action to conceal that anyone is hiding inside.
"and spread out bruised grain on it": She then scatters bruised (crushed or broken) grain on top of the covering.
"and nothing was known": The purpose of this action is to make it appear as though no one has touched the well recently, it would not have been used by anyone recently.
In essence, the woman's actions serve as a quick and convincing camouflage. She's creating the illusion that the well is being used normally, preventing Absalom's search party from suspecting that anyone is hiding inside.
Key takeaways:
Deception: This is a deliberate act to deceive Absalom's soldiers and protect David's messengers.
Ingenuity: The woman demonstrates quick thinking and resourcefulness in creating a convincing cover story.
Secrecy: The phrase "nothing was known" emphasizes the success of her deception. The soldiers are unaware that the well is being used as a hiding place.
This verse highlights the role of ordinary people in helping David during his time of crisis and the importance of secrecy and cleverness in a dangerous situation.
This verse describes a clever act of deception in 2 Samuel 17:19. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: This verse is part of the story where Jonathan and Ahimaaz are acting as messengers for David, who is fleeing from his rebellious son Absalom. They are hiding at the well of a man in Bahurim. Absalom's soldiers are searching for them.
"The woman took and spread the covering over the well's mouth": The woman who owns the well (or lives nearby and is helping David) covers the opening of the well. This is a crucial action to conceal that anyone is hiding inside.
"and spread out bruised grain on it": She then scatters bruised (crushed or broken) grain on top of the covering.
"and nothing was known": The purpose of this action is to make it appear as though no one has touched the well recently, it would not have been used by anyone recently.
In essence, the woman's actions serve as a quick and convincing camouflage. She's creating the illusion that the well is being used normally, preventing Absalom's search party from suspecting that anyone is hiding inside.
Key takeaways:
Deception: This is a deliberate act to deceive Absalom's soldiers and protect David's messengers.
Ingenuity: The woman demonstrates quick thinking and resourcefulness in creating a convincing cover story.
Secrecy: The phrase "nothing was known" emphasizes the success of her deception. The soldiers are unaware that the well is being used as a hiding place.
This verse highlights the role of ordinary people in helping David during his time of crisis and the importance of secrecy and cleverness in a dangerous situation.