Definition: And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 2:23. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core of the Verse: “And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.” What it’s saying – A Breakdown: "He said unto them…" : This is a commanding voice. It's like God speaking directly to a group of people. “Why do ye such things?” : This is the question he’s asking. He’s noticing something troubling about their behavior. “…for I hear of your evil dealings…” : This is the key part. The word “evil” here means wrong , sinful , or harmful . God is saying that he has heard about specific actions they've been taking that are causing problems and potentially hurting people. What it’s suggesting – A Warning: This verse paints a picture of a group of people who are engaging in serious wrongdoing. It suggests that these actions aren't just minor mistakes; they're significant and damaging to others. The Context (Important!) This verse comes from the story of Samuel, a young boy who was sent to Israel to find a truly wicked king. God tells Samuel to investigate the king’s behavior. When he hears about the people’s evil dealings – things like deceit, violence, and disrespecting God – it's a clear sign that the king is in trouble with God. Overall Meaning - A Call to Action: This verse isn’t just complaining; it’s a call to responsibility. It’s a warning to those involved in wrongdoing to stop and repent (turn back to God). It’s saying, “You are falling short of what is right, and you need to change your ways.” In essence, the verse highlights that when people act badly or betray God's will, it’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel 2? Give you some examples of what “evil dealings” might look like? Talk about the significance of this verse in the larger story of Israel’s history?