Definition: But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 20:22. It’s a really important and slightly dramatic moment in the story of Saul, who was King of Israel at the time. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Situation: Saul is facing a difficult situation – he’s being pursued by the Philistine army. They’re trying to ambush him! What the Verse Says: “But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But if I say thus unto the young man…” : This is the crucial part. Saul is about to tell a young man – probably a soldier or a trusted servant – that he’s being pursued and needs to flee. “…Behold, the arrows [are] beyond thee…” : This is a very powerful image. “Arrows” usually represent danger, trouble, or even a direct threat. “Beyond thee” means Saul is about to warn him of a dangerous situation that he can't avoid. “Go thy way:” : This is a command. It’s telling the young man to immediately leave the area – to turn around and go away. “…for the LORD hath sent thee away.” : This is the core of the message. The Lord (God) is directly intervening in this situation, and He's sending Saul away to safety. It’s a sign that God is protecting him. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse speaks to two important things: 1. Divine Protection: It highlights God's active involvement in our lives and His desire to protect us from danger. 2. Trusting God: Saul, who was initially a hesitant and fearful king, is given a clear instruction – he needs to trust that God will guide him and keep him safe. It emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s plan, even when things seem bleak. In short, it's a moment where Saul realizes he's in danger and accepts God's protection by ordering his servant to flee. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Samuel? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Saul’s life?