Definition: Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 2:30. It's a really important and slightly dramatic passage about God’s relationship with King Saul. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying to King Saul that he must be under his watchful eye, and he will treat Saul well, but he won’t tolerate those who disrespect or scorn him. It's a warning and a statement of authority. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith…” : This is just saying "God, the one who created everything, says..." – it’s a formal declaration. “…I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever:” This is the core of the verse. God is telling Saul that he must be in charge of his family and his kingdom. He wants to oversee everything and ensure things are right. "For ever" emphasizes this – it’s a promise to continue this control indefinitely. “…but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” This is where it gets interesting. God is saying: “I won't tolerate those who praise or respect me. Instead, I’ll treat them with kindness – even if they are disrespectful.” What does this mean in practical terms? Saul was being criticized: Saul was a king who was struggling with his own pride and ambition. He was often making decisions without God's guidance, and he wasn't always fair to his people. God is stepping in: God is intervening to protect himself and ensure things are right. It’s a display of power and control. It's about respect: The verse highlights the importance of respecting God and those who serve Him. God values honor, loyalty, and righteousness. In short, this passage illustrates God's absolute authority and his desire to maintain order and protect himself through his chosen people. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you curious about its context, the meaning of certain words, or how it relates to a particular story?)