Definition: And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of Engedi.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a really important and slightly dramatic passage from the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says: “When Saul, who was following the Philistines – which is basically the Israelites’ enemies – returned home, he heard that David was living in the wilderness of Engedi.” Let’s unpack it a bit: Saul: This refers to King Saul, a powerful leader who was part of the group that pursued the Israelites. Returned from following the Philistines: This means Saul had left the Israelites and went to live with the Philistines. It's a significant betrayal for those who followed him. He heard…: This is key – Saul heard this news. David was in the wilderness of Engedi: David was living alone, away from his family and friends, in a very remote and isolated place called the Wilderness of Engedi. This place is located in modern-day Lebanon. What’s the significance? This verse tells us that David was living a life of peace and freedom. It highlights that David wasn't just a king; he was also a man who was comfortable and successful without being burdened by the challenges of leadership. It suggests that his life was marked by God’s favor and protection. In short, it’s a story about a man who found contentment in solitude. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of this passage (when did it happen)? Explore why this story is significant in the Bible?

Definition: Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD’S anointed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:10. It’s a really important and surprising passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: You were arrested: God decided to punish a man named Saul for stealing a goat. This was a serious crime, and he was put under arrest. He was imprisoned: He was held captive in a cave. He was told to kill you: The jailer (the captor) instructed him to kill him. This was a harsh sentence. God intervened: But God saw something special about this man – he showed compassion and mercy. Instead of killing him, God said, “I will not put forth my hand against you.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Behold, today your eyes have seen how the LORD had delivered you to me in the cave. And I bade you kill me: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.” Let’s unpack it: “Behold…” : This is a way of saying "Watch this!" or "Here's what's happening." "...this day..." : This refers to a specific moment in time. "... thine eyes have seen..." : It means that the jailer saw you, and he witnessed your situation firsthand. "...how the LORD had delivered thee..." : This is the core of the story – God intervened to save you from punishment. "...into mine hand..." : This is a metaphorical way of saying you were brought into his power and control. "...to kill thee" : This was a harsh sentence, suggesting you would be killed. "...I bade thee kill me..." : God gave you the command to take your own life. "...but mine eye spared thee..." : This is the crucial part! God’s “eye” refers to His divine power and judgment. He chose to spare you, showing mercy and love. "...and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord..." : This is a powerful statement of obedience and submission. You are acknowledging that you are under God's authority and that He has the final say. You are saying, “I obey Your command.” Why is this important? This story illustrates several key things about God: Mercy & Compassion: God’s love isn't always about punishment; sometimes it’s about showing kindness and mercy. Divine Sovereignty: God is in control, and He has the ultimate authority to decide what happens. Submission: It demonstrates that we should submit to God's will and obey His commands, even when they seem harsh. In short, this verse tells us that God intervened to save Saul, and He chose to spare him because He is just and merciful. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Or would you like me to connect this story to a specific biblical theme (like faith, obedience, or forgiveness)?

Definition: Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:11. It’s a really complex passage, but we can understand the core of what's happening. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Moment of Anger & Rebellion: David was in a very intense and angry moment. He had just betrayed Samuel, the King’s advisor, by killing his hunter. This was a huge betrayal – he’d broken a sacred trust. David's Action: David instinctively reached out and touched the hunter’s robe. He then cut it off. The Problem: This seemingly small action is where it gets complicated. The verse says, “Know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand…” This means David understood that his actions were not wrong. He didn't feel remorse or guilt. What the Verse Means – It’s a Bit of a Paradox: The key here is that David was experiencing a moment of intense anger and frustration. He wasn't thinking about what he did, just reacting to it. The verse says: "Yet thou huntest my soul to take it." This means David was causing himself to feel this way – he was pushing himself to do something wrong. So, What’s the Point? This is a powerful illustration of God's Justice. God sees that David wasn't acting out of malice or evil. He saw that his anger stemmed from his own flawed emotions and self-focused thoughts. It's about recognizing our own failings: The verse highlights that we are all prone to making mistakes, especially when we’re upset. It’s a reminder of God’s mercy: Even when we do wrong, God often chooses to forgive us and show compassion. He doesn’t condemn us simply because we make a mistake; he wants to understand why we made it. In short, this verse is about David acknowledging his own wrongdoing, but also understanding that God sees him as deserving of forgiveness. --- Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Samuel/24/11](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Samuel/24/11) - This provides a good overview of the context and meaning. Different Bible Websites: Search for “1 Samuel 24” on websites like BibleHub or The Bible Project for more in-depth explanations. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Old Testament (like repentance, forgiveness, or God’s justice)?

Definition: The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from 1 Samuel 24:12. It’s a really important and unique part of the story of David. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “The LORD will decide for me whether to be punished or not. But my hand – meaning my judgment – won’t harm you.” Let’s unpack that a little more: "The LORD judge between me and thee..." This means the Lord is taking a stand in the middle of a disagreement between David and Goliath (or whoever he was facing). He's deciding what the right thing to do is. "...and the LORD avenge me of thee:" This is where it gets interesting. "Avenge" means to punish severely. The Lord is going to take action to make sure Goliath doesn’t harm David, even if he’s facing him with a giant's army. "...but mine hand shall not be upon thee." This is the crucial part. This is a guarantee from God. It means that David will never directly harm Goliath or anyone else. The Lord’s judgment and punishment will only come if David chooses to do something wrong. The Significance & Context: This verse is incredibly significant because it’s a demonstration of God's sovereignty – His absolute power over everything. It shows that God isn't just passively watching things happen; He actively intervenes and decides the outcome, even when we don’t deserve it. It also highlights David’s humility and trust in God’s judgment. In short, it’s a promise of divine protection and justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Samuel? Discuss the meaning of this verse within the larger context of the book of Samuel? Explore why this verse is considered a significant moment in David's life?

Definition: As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a powerful and important statement about forgiveness and responsibility. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Wicked actions and wrongdoing will always come from those who do bad things.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “As saith the proverb of the ancients…” – This is referencing an old story or saying that has been passed down through generations. It's like a common wisdom about human nature. “…that wickedness proceedeth from the wicked…” – This means that people who do bad things are the source of evil. It’s not just random accidents; it’s because they make choices that hurt others. “but mine hand shall not be upon thee.” – This is the key part! It promises protection and forgiveness. The speaker (who is likely Samuel, a leader in Israel) says they will not harm you . It's a promise of safety and mercy. So, what does it mean practically? This verse emphasizes that God has a way of protecting the innocent and punishing those who are wicked. It’s a strong statement about justice and divine intervention. The core message is this: Even though someone might do something wrong, God will always intervene to protect them and ensure they don't face punishment. In short, it’s a promise of safety and forgiveness for those who are truly wicked. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse is used in the Bible?

Definition: After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly strange and symbolic passage from 1 Samuel 24:14. It's a really poetic and thought-provoking verse that has been interpreted in many different ways throughout history. Here's the explanation in simple terms: What it says: “After whom is the king of Israel come out? After whom dost thou pursue?” The Meaning – It’s a Powerful Warning This verse isn’t about a literal person coming out of the kingdom. It’s a warning against pursuing someone who is completely and utterly evil. It's essentially saying: “Don’t chase after people who are truly wicked, morally corrupt, and driven by malice.” Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “After whom is the king of Israel come out?” – This refers to the king of Israel. Historically, this was Saul, the first King of Israel. The verse suggests that Saul wasn't a good leader. “After whom dost thou pursue?” – This is the key part. It’s asking: “What are you pursuing? What are you fixated on?” It implies that Saul was chasing after people who were morally flawed and dangerous. The Symbolism – Why it's so intense: This verse is incredibly symbolic, drawing from ancient Hebrew imagery and thought. Here’s what it represents: “Dead dog”: A dead dog symbolizes a person who is lifeless, devoid of morality, and has no capacity for good or righteousness. It’s someone who isn’t alive in the spiritual sense. “Flea”: A flea represents something small, insidious, and persistent that is causing harm. It's not a huge threat, but it’s always there, slowly damaging things. The Overall Message – It’s about Moral Accountability The verse essentially means: Don’t follow someone who is fundamentally flawed and morally compromised. It’s a call to prioritize righteousness and hold people accountable for their actions. Important Context - The Story Behind it: This verse comes from a story in the book of Samuel, where God speaks to Saul and tells him to repent and turn away from his wickedness. It's a pivotal moment in biblical history – it’s the beginning of Saul’s fall from grace. In short, this verse is a profound warning about the dangers of pursuing those who are morally evil and that it's better to focus on righteousness and justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?

Definition: The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:15. It's a really powerful statement about God’s role in resolving conflict. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “God is going to look into this situation and decide what happens between me and you.” Let's unpack that a little further: “The LORD therefore be judge” : This refers to God Himself – He’s taking on a role of justice and fairness. “…and judge between me and thee…” : This is the core of the verse. It means God will evaluate our situation and make a decision. “Thee” refers to you, meaning he’s examining your actions or behavior. "...and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.” : This is where it gets really impactful. It means God will examine what happened, understand the situation, and then take action to protect you. He'll look at your wrongdoing, and if he deems it wrong, he will intervene . He’ll take action to prevent you from getting into trouble or suffering further harm. The word "deliver" means to save someone from danger or hardship – in this case, to protect you. In short, it’s a promise of God’s justice and protection. It’s a statement about God's willingness to take action when things go wrong and to ensure fairness and safety for those who are wronged. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's justice and righteousness, but it also carries a deeper meaning – that God isn't just concerned with punishment; He’s concerned with righting wrongs and protecting good people. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What kind of "wrongdoing" is being discussed? How this verse relates to a specific situation or story in the Bible?

Definition: And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:16. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising one! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This passage describes a moment of intense anger and distress that David experienced after he accidentally struck Saul, the king at the time. What happened? David was speaking to Saul: David had just spoken to Saul about something – likely a disagreement or a challenge. Saul is upset: Saul, who was already feeling insecure and perhaps a bit paranoid, immediately starts to cry. He’s overwhelmed with shame and fear. The Significance - It's About Taking Responsibility: This verse highlights a crucial point about responsibility and accountability in the Bible: David took ownership of his mistake: David didn’t just shrug it off or try to minimize it. He immediately recognized that he had done something wrong and expressed remorse. It’s about acknowledging wrongdoing: The crying is a sign that Saul recognizes, however briefly, that he was in the wrong. It shows a moment of genuine regret. Why is this important? It's a turning point: This event marks a significant shift in David’s character. It demonstrates his willingness to take responsibility for his actions and show humility. It’s a foreshadowing of God’s plan: The Bible often uses these moments of intense emotion as a way for God to intervene and guide us towards repentance and righteousness. In short, this verse is about David's immediate reaction to a mistake – it’s a powerful example of taking responsibility and showing humility. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Expand on a specific part of the story?

Definition: And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:17. It's a pretty powerful and significant statement about God’s judgment! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means God is impressed by David’s good deeds and rewards him for them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said…”: This sets up a conversation. “…Thou [art] more righteous than I…”: This is the core of the verse. “Thou” is a formal way of addressing David, and "righteous" means morally good and just. God says that David is more righteous than him – meaning he’s doing things in a better way, with greater kindness and fairness. “…for thou hast rewarded me good…”: This part highlights David's positive actions. He did something kind, helpful, or right. He acted morally. “whereas I have rewarded thee evil.”: This is the crucial part. God recognized that he had given David evil – which means he’d done something wrong, hurtful, or unfair. So, what's the overall message? This verse highlights God’s judgment and his concern for justice. It tells us: God sees good and bad. He doesn’t just look at everything; He pays attention to how things are done. God is fair. He wants to make sure that people are rewarded for good deeds and punished for wrongdoing. It's a consequence of our actions. David’s “evil” – his choices, perhaps or his behavior – has resulted in God’s judgment. Important Note: This verse doesn’t mean David deserved to be punished. It simply acknowledges that he was rewarded with good things while he did something wrong. It's a reminder of the importance of doing what is right and being accountable for our actions. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to give you an example of a "good deed" that might have led to this verse? For instance, we could talk about: David’s bravery and protection of his people. How this verse relates to the idea of repentance and seeking forgiveness.

Definition: And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 24:18. It’s a really important and powerful passage about God’s love and faithfulness. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God didn't punish you for something you did – even though He delivered you into his hand. It highlights God’s unwavering love and protection. Let's unpack it word by word: “And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me…” - This is a formal way of saying "You have shown me this day how you treated me." It means you’ve demonstrated kindness and fairness to God. “…forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand…” – This part tells us what happened . The Lord (God) had handed you over to someone else – likely a powerful enemy. "...thou killedst me not." - This is the key part. You didn’t kill him! So, what does this mean practically? It means that God didn't let you suffer for your wrongdoing. He chose to forgive you even when He was in a position to punish you severely. The Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a testament to God’s justice and mercy. It speaks to: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control of all things, including our lives and our choices. Redemption through Suffering: Sometimes, suffering is necessary for us to grow and become better people. This verse suggests that even when we make mistakes, God can use them to redeem us. God's Love & Protection: It shows that God loves us so much that He will not allow us to suffer for our sins. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about God’s unwavering faithfulness and his willingness to forgive even when we fail. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some context about the story behind it? Discuss its significance in a particular biblical story or theme?