Definition: And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and [that] thou camest not within the days appointed, and [that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 13:11. It’s a really important moment in God’s plan for Israel! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Situation: Saul is the Problem: The verse starts with Saul, the king of Israel, feeling incredibly uncomfortable and worried. He’s experiencing a crisis – he’s losing control over his people. The People Scatter: Saul's problem isn't just him; it's that the Israelites (and all of Israel) are scattered . This means they’re not together as a unified nation, and their faith is weakening. It feels like they’ve been pulled apart by something. The Days Appointed: The word “days” here refers to a specific time period that God set for the Israelites – a time of peace, prosperity, and unity. Saul is disrupting this time. Michmash: This is the key part. "Michmash" is an old Hebrew word meaning "a gathering place." It’s connected to the name of a city called Michmash, which was located in the east of Israel. Putting it all together – What's happening? Samuel is asking Saul why he's acting so strangely and causing this disruption. Saul responds that he's worried because God has set a time for things to be peaceful and unified. He’s feeling like God is pulling away from his people, making them separate and vulnerable. The Significance: This verse is a significant moment in the story of Israel’s history because it shows that Saul’s actions were causing problems. It's a clear example of God setting boundaries and protecting His people, and Saul wasn't respecting those boundaries. It sets up a larger conflict where God will ultimately bring about a new era of peace and unity for Israel. In short: Saul is acting like he’s defying God's plan by causing chaos and scattering his people. God is intervening to restore order and protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse? Or, do you have any other questions about this passage?