Definition: For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 20:31. It’s a really powerful and sobering message about destiny and responsibility. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that someone who lives on the ground – essentially, someone who isn’t actively involved in important tasks or leadership – will not be able to fulfill their role and have a successful life. It’s about being held back from achieving something significant. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground…” This refers to David, who was a hugely important figure in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). “Son of Jesse” is a reference to his family lineage. "Living upon the ground" means he’s not actively involved in things that require effort or responsibility. “…thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom.” This is the core of the warning. "Established" means having a position of power and influence; “kingdom” refers to his royal status and potential reign. The verse warns that he will be unable to achieve these things. “Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.” This is the consequence. "He shall surely die" indicates a tragic outcome – a death. The speaker is urging someone to take action because this person's fate is sealed. It’s a desperate plea to prevent further negative outcomes. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several themes: Responsibility: It highlights the importance of fulfilling your responsibilities, even when things are difficult. It’s not enough to want something; you need to actively work towards it. Fate and Destiny: It suggests that sometimes, our lives have a predetermined path – a destiny we cannot escape. Warning: It's a warning against complacency or inaction. It encourages proactive action and diligence. In short, the verse is a dramatic statement about the potential for a life to be tragically cut short if someone isn’t actively engaged in their role. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance within the context of David's story? Explore other interpretations or layers of meaning?