Definition: They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic passage about a very significant event! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul was a big deal: The verse tells us that Saul, who was the first king of Israel, was killed. He was a really important and powerful leader. They took his remains: A group of men – “all the valiant men” – came to find Saul’s body and took it away. They buried the bodies: They then carefully buried the remains under an oak tree in a place called Jabesh, which was near Jerusalem. They fasted for seven days: This is a really important part – they spent seven days fasting (abstaining from food) as a sign of repentance and grief. Putting it all together - A Simple Explanation: The verse describes a very solemn and ritualistic act of mourning and remembrance after Saul's death. It’s essentially a way for the Israelites to honor his memory and acknowledge the tragedy of his downfall. It shows how they honored the fallen king with a period of deep reflection and grief. What it tells us about God's Perspective: This event also speaks to God's perspective on justice, repentance, and remembrance. It’s a reminder that even powerful people can be subject to loss and need to show respect through these practices. Important Note: It’s important to remember this story is part of the Old Testament and focuses on the history of Israel. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain a particular word or phrase? Compare it to another story in the Bible?