Definition: And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son [is] this youth? And Abner said, [As] thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 17:55. It’s a really interesting and dramatic moment in the story of David and Saul! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Saul is angry: Saul, the King of Israel, is furious with David, who has been defying him. He’s feeling betrayed and humiliated. David is going to fight: David is marching towards a battle against the Philistine army – a large group of warriors. Abner is involved: Abner is David's trusted advisor and commander of the Philistine forces. He’s a key figure in this conflict. What the Verse Says: “And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son [is] this youth?” "When Saul saw..." : This tells us that Saul is observing something – he’s noticing David’s actions. "...David go forth against the Philistine..." : David is marching into battle against a large group of enemies. "...Abner..." : This refers to Abner, who is the commander of the Philistines. "...the captain of the host..." : This is a formal title for Abner – he’s in charge of the entire Philistine army. "...Abner..." : This is his name. "...whose son [is] this youth?" : This is the key part! It's a question hanging in the air. It's asking: “Is this David’s son?” The Meaning (and why it's significant): Abner is struggling with a difficult decision. He knows that David is the son of Saul, but he doesn’t know exactly who the son is. It’s a moment of uncertainty and anxiety for Abner – he’s caught between loyalty to Saul and his duty to protect David. Why it's important: This verse sets up a huge conflict. It establishes that Saul is actively trying to eliminate David, and this conversation is a crucial turning point. It shows that Saul isn’t just focused on defeating David; he’s determined to eliminate him. This highlights the tension between leadership and loyalty – and it foreshadows a dramatic confrontation in the story. In essence: It's a moment of suspense where Abner is grappling with a difficult question: Is this young David, or someone else? --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on its symbolism or historical context? Or would you like me to explore another passage from 1 Samuel?