Definition: And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’s house.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 22:16. It’s a really dramatic and intense passage about a king and his servant. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father’s house.” The Basic Story: This verse comes from a time when King Saul was in a terrible situation. He had been fleeing for his life after being accused of treason against God. His servant, Ahimelech, was trying to help him escape by sneaking into the king's palace. But, as they were hiding, the king discovered them! What happened next: The king, seeing Saul and his entire family (including his wife and children) as a threat, ordered them all to be killed. He essentially declared that Saul and his family would die. The Meaning - It’s about God’s Justice & Protection: This verse is powerful because it highlights two key things: 1. God's Sovereignty: The Bible says God is in control, and He doesn't tolerate evil or disobedience. He’s not just allowing the king to do this; He’s actively choosing to punish him. It’s a demonstration of God’s power and judgment. 2. God's Protection of His People: Crucially, it also shows God's protection of his people. He isn’t just punishing Saul; He is protecting the innocent (Saul’s family) from harm. It’s a Warning: This verse serves as a warning to those who are disobeying God and seeking to defy him. It's a reminder that disobedience will have consequences, even if it seems like a small thing at first. In short, this verse is a story about a king's terrible mistake – he deliberately chose to kill his family because he was defying God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some context about the situation in 1 Samuel 22?