Judges 3:18 Meaning and Commentary

“And when he was come unto him, he did eat and drink before him; and he said, I have a secret message unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.”– Judges 3:18 (KJV)

“When he had finished eating and drinking, he sent away the men who had carried his message. He then said, I have a secret message for you, O King. The king said, Be quiet. So, all his attendants left him.”– Judges 3:18 (NLT)

“After he finished his meal, he offered the king a secret message. The king said, Quiet! Everyone leave the room. All his attendants left.”– Judges 3:18 (MSG)

What Does Judges 3:18 Mean?

The verse Judges 3:18 may sound a bit confusing at first. However, understanding the scene and the characters involved can take us deeper into its meaning. In this verse, we see a significant moment where a secret message is to be conveyed from one person to a king. It is intriguing to note how the king, perhaps sensing the nature of the message, orders everyone to leave before revealing the secret. This moment emphasizes both trust and caution, especially when it comes to matters of importance.

This verse invites us to think about communication in our own lives. When we have important things to discuss, how often do we do so in private settings? This speaks volumes about the value we place on certain conversations. The action of sending away others indicates a need for confidentiality, which can often be crucial in sensitive matters. We learn that sometimes it is necessary to put aside distractions and focus on what truly matters.

Judges 3:18 Explanation and Commentary