Definition: And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 26:24. It’s a really powerful and emotional plea from Saul, one of the most important figures in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Saul was feeling incredibly overwhelmed and scared by a situation he'd created – a major battle that had put him in danger. He realized he wasn’t prepared for what might happen next, and he desperately wanted to be protected and safe. He’s essentially asking God to protect him now and to guide him through any difficult times ahead. Let’s unpack the key parts: “And, behold…” : This is a dramatic pause – it's like a moment of intense thought or realization. "...as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes..." : Saul is talking about his own life, and how it was heavily focused on this particular battle. He felt like his entire future, and his safety, depended on the outcome of that fight. "Set by" means he was deeply involved and worried about it. "...so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD..." : This is the crucial part. Saul isn’t just asking for protection; he's asking God to determine how his life should be lived. He wants God to guide his actions and destiny. It’s a request for guidance and direction. "...and let him deliver me out of all tribulation." : This is the biggest part – “tribulation” in this context refers to any difficult, challenging time - hardship, trouble, or adversity. Saul wants God to rescue him from these times. Overall Meaning: Saul is expressing a profound fear and a desperate need for protection. He’s acknowledging that he's facing a significant crisis and asking for God’s intervention to shield him and guide his path through whatever challenges lie ahead. It speaks to a deep-seated vulnerability and a faith in God’s power. In short, it's a plea for divine guidance and protection during a time of great uncertainty. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse further? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?