Definition: And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 2:33. It's a pretty powerful and somewhat poetic passage about loyalty and protection. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a man who is incredibly important to God – a leader or someone of great significance – and God is fiercely protective of that person. It warns that if this man were to be harmed, it would cause immense pain and devastation for everyone connected to him. Let's unpack the parts: “And the man of thine…” : This immediately establishes the focus on a specific individual. It’s not just any man; it’s someone very special to God. “…whom I shall not cut off from mine altar” : "Altar" here refers to God's presence, His home, or His sacred space. “Cut off” means to destroy or remove someone from that place. It’s a strong statement of devotion and importance. The man is considered essential to God. “…from mine…” : This emphasizes the depth of the connection – it’s not just about being friendly, but a deeply committed relationship. “…consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart” : This describes the potential consequences if this man were harmed. It's not just physical pain; it’s emotional devastation. “Consume thine eyes” means to blind you with sorrow, and “to grieve thine heart” means to deeply feel sadness and loss. “and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age” : This is the most dramatic part. It says that if this man were to be harmed, it would result in the destruction of everything connected to him – his family, his wealth, his reputation, everything he’s built. The "flower of their age" symbolizes the time of life – a period of happiness and flourishing – which is tragically lost. Overall Meaning: The verse expresses a deep sense of protection and concern from God for a man who holds immense significance. It warns that if this man were to suffer, it would cause catastrophic loss, not just for him but for everyone he loves and relies upon. It’s a powerful expression of divine care and the potential consequences of harming someone truly valued. In essence, it's a warning about the importance of protecting those who are considered sacred and essential to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the biblical narrative? Compare it to another passage in the Bible?