Definition: And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage from 1 Chronicles, and it speaks about a very specific event. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: “When they had stripped him…” – This means someone was brutally assaulting King Saul (the king of Israel at the time). They were taking his belongings away violently. “…they took his head, and his armour…” – They weren’t just tossing aside his possessions. They took everything that made up his royal appearance - his helmet, his cloak, everything he wore to signify his position as king. “…and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols…” – This is where it gets really strange. The Philistines were a people who lived near the coast and worshipped various gods. They were known for being traders and craftsmen. They sent him to go to their temples. “…and to the people.” – He was instructed to tell them about what happened, to spread news, and perhaps even to warn others. Putting it all together – The Meaning: This verse describes a shocking act of desecration and betrayal. King Saul was brutally attacked and stripped of his royal attire. Instead of being punished, he was sent out into the Philistine territory with the purpose of spreading a message – likely a warning about the dangers of idolatry (worshiping false gods). It's essentially a message of impending doom delivered through a very public display. What it’s telling us: It’s about disrespect and evil. The act is deeply wrong, showing a lack of respect for God and his anointed. It's a warning about idolatry. The verse highlights that worshipping false gods isn't just a minor offense; it can have serious consequences – spreading fear and potentially leading to disaster. Important Note: This is a very violent and shocking passage in the Bible. It’s important to remember it's a historical account of a terrible event, and it doesn’t excuse the act itself. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God and resisting temptation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?