Definition: Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Samuel 28:16. It’s a really powerful statement about God’s relationship with Israel in ancient times. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is Sending a Message: Samuel is speaking to Saul, who was the King of Israel at this point. He’s telling him that God has withdrawn His presence and is now working against him – essentially, becoming his enemy. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then said Samuel…” : This sets up a conversation. It's Samuel speaking to Saul. “…Wherefore then dost thou ask of me…” : This is the key question. Saul is asking Samuel why he’s being singled out with this difficult message. He’s feeling confused and perhaps a little uncomfortable. "...seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?” : This is where it gets really significant. The word “departed” means God has moved away or left behind. “Become thine enemy” means that God is now actively working against Saul – trying to harm him, sabotage him, and potentially even lead him into disaster. What’s the Big Picture? This verse highlights a few important things: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of everything, even when He seems distant or silent. He isn't just passively watching; He's actively intervening. The Importance of Trusting God: Saul was a powerful king, but this verse emphasizes that relying solely on human power (like Saul’s own strength) is not enough. God needs to be involved in the situation. A Test of Faith: It’s also a test of Saul's faith. He’s facing a huge challenge and needs to understand why God is acting this way, rather than just pushing forward with his ambition. In essence, it’s a warning: Don’t be complacent or selfish. Be open to God’s guidance and trust in His plan, even when things seem difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Israel's history? Give a more relatable analogy to help understand it better?