Definition: And, behold, I will send a lad, [saying], Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows [are] on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for [there is] peace to thee, and no hurt; [as] the LORD liveth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 20:21. It's a really important passage about a young man being entrusted with a crucial task. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a young man, named “[saying]”, being given a very specific mission – to find out where the arrows are pointing. He's being told to investigate and determine the location of these arrows. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And, behold…” : This is a dramatic introduction – it's like saying “Here’s what’s happening.” “…I will send a lad…” : This tells us that this isn’t just a casual request; someone has chosen this particular young man to handle this task. It suggests he’s been selected for his skills and abilities. “[saying]” : This is the key part – it's saying to him . It’s like giving a direct instruction. “Go, find out the arrows.” : He has been assigned to search and discover where the arrows are pointing. It's about investigation and gathering information. “If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows [are] on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for [there is] peace to thee, and no hurt.” : This is a very important clause – it’s a promise and a condition. “Behold, I expressly say unto the lad…” : This is a commanding statement from someone in authority (likely Samuel, the prophet). He's giving him a clear instruction. “…the arrows [are] on this side of thee…” : This means specifically , he needs to look at the arrows pointing this way . It’s a precise direction. “take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt.” : If Samuel tells him exactly where they are, he's instructed to take them and go immediately. The reward is a peaceful outcome – meaning there will be no harm or trouble. Overall Meaning: This verse emphasizes the importance of clear instructions and being precise in your task. It’s about trust and responsibility. Samuel is trusting this young man to do a difficult job, but he's giving him a specific task with a very clear goal: find the arrows and ensure there's no danger. It highlights the need for careful observation and direct communication to avoid problems. In essence, it’s a story about trust, direction, and the importance of knowing exactly what you're supposed to do. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story or situation?