Definition: And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very short passage from 1 Samuel 28:13. It's a really strange and dramatic statement! Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment where a king is confronting a woman who claims to have seen divine beings rising from the earth. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the king said unto her…” : The king is speaking directly to this woman, likely someone he's concerned about or trying to understand. “…Be not afraid: for what sawest thou?” : This is the core of the question. The king is asking her, “What have you seen?” It’s a serious inquiry. “And the woman said unto Saul…” : The woman identifies herself as someone who has witnessed something extraordinary – that gods are rising from the earth! Now, let's consider what this could mean (and why it’s so unusual): This is a very symbolic and poetic passage. It's not meant to be taken literally. Here are some possible interpretations: A Warning: The king is warning the woman – perhaps someone who’s being deceptive or plotting against him. He’s suggesting she needs to stop her actions, as they could have serious consequences. A Divine Intervention: It could be a sign that something significant is about to happen – possibly a divine event. The gods are rising, which is a common theme in biblical stories. A Test: The king might be testing the woman's character and her loyalty. He’s asking her to explain her actions and determine if she’s truly trustworthy. Important Note: This passage is from an ancient text (1 Samuel) and was written during a time of great political turmoil in Israel. It’s filled with symbolism and imagery, so it's not always easy to interpret directly. --- In short, this verse paints a picture of a king confronting a woman who has witnessed something truly remarkable – the rise of gods from the earth. Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse?