Definition: And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent [them] throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 11:7. It’s a pretty shocking and unsettling verse in the Bible, and it speaks about a man named Saul who was incredibly disrespectful to God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul is a King: The verse tells us we're talking about a king named Saul, who was a very powerful leader in Israel. He Was Disrespectful: Saul wasn’t just a good king; he was extremely disrespectful to God. He ignored the commands and guidance of Samuel, the high priest, and other religious leaders. He treated God as if he could be ignored or disobeyed. He Sends His Officials: Saul's advisors (messengers) were tasked with sending out a warning to everyone in Israel. They told people to avoid Saul, meaning they were instructed not to associate with him, to stay away from his presence, and to avoid any contact with him. Basically, he was being deliberately ignored. He Creates a "Penalty" for Disrespect: The messengers then said that if someone didn’t follow Saul's rules – didn't respect him or his authority – they would be punished. This punishment was to be enforced throughout all the lands (Israel) by sending these people out to warn everyone else. Fear Falls Upon Israel: This is a crucial part. The message wasn’t just about Saul , it was about everyone . The entire nation of Israel felt deeply shaken and terrified because they saw that Saul was deliberately trying to punish them for simply not following him. What It Means – A Bit More Deeply: This verse is a warning about the dangers of disrespecting God and leaders. It highlights: The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that obeying God’s commands, even when it's difficult, is fundamental to a righteous life. The Consequences of Disobedience: It shows that disobeying authority can have serious repercussions – in this case, widespread fear and punishment. God’s Justice: It speaks to God's justice – He isn't just punishing Saul for his own mistakes; he is punishing those who disregard His guidance. In short, it’s a story about a king who deliberately disobeyed God and created fear among the people. Important Note: This passage is a bit disturbing because it describes a very harsh and unjust act. It's important to remember that this event happened in ancient times and was part of a larger pattern of injustice and disobedience in the Old Testament. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Samuel? Discuss the context of this passage (when it happened)? Explore the theological significance of this story?