Definition: And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 2:36. It's a really strange and somewhat unsettling passage about a king and his household. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very extreme and controlling situation where a king is demanding absolute obedience and service from his people, especially from his servants. He wants to control every aspect of their lives, including their livelihood. Let's unpack the parts: “And it shall come to pass…” : This sets up a prophecy – something that will happen in the future. “[that] every one that is left in thine house” : This refers to all of his servants, his household members. It’s not just a few; it's everyone within his residence. “Come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread…” : This is the key. He wants them to completely surrender to him. "Crouch" means to bend over, and “a piece of silver and a morsel of bread” suggests they'll be offered as little as possible – essentially, their meager possessions. “…and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices…” : This is where it gets really strange. He wants to assign them to positions within the religious system (priests). He’s demanding they be assigned to a position of service and obedience, specifically in a priestly role. “That I may eat a piece of bread” : This is the final demand - he demands that they serve him, and by extension, provide for his needs (food) through their labor. What's the Big Takeaway? This verse highlights a very authoritarian ruler who believes he has absolute control over everyone in his life and his household. It’s a stark example of a king prioritizing his own power and demands over the well-being and dignity of his people. It speaks to themes of: Absolute Power: The king is asserting a level of control that goes beyond just governing; it's about controlling every aspect of life. Control & Servitude: It’s a demonstration of a ruler demanding absolute obedience and servitude, making them dependent on him for their livelihood. Social Hierarchy: The verse suggests a rigid social hierarchy where the king holds significant power over his servants, potentially creating a system of oppression. Important Note: This is a very old passage from a very specific historical context (the time of David and Solomon). It’s often interpreted as a warning about potential tyranny and the dangers of unchecked authority. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical significance?