Definition: And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 31:10. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very unusual situation involving King David and his men. They were in a place called Bethshan, which is located on a small island – think of it as a tiny, fortified landmass. And they put David’s armor in the house of Ashtaroth. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth” : This means they took David’s armor – which was a very important and valuable item – and placed it inside a building called Ashtaroth. Ashtaroth is a specific location, likely a fortified structure. “and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan” : This is where it gets really strange. They attached David's body to the wall of the island. It’s not just lying there; it’s literally stuck to the wall! What does this all mean? This is a very symbolic description, and there are a few possible interpretations, but here’s what scholars generally believe: A Promise Fulfilled: This is the most common interpretation. It describes a promise made by God to David. David was promised that he would rule over Israel, and this act of placing his armor in a fortified location symbolizes that promise being kept. A Test of Loyalty: Some believe it's a test of David’s loyalty to God. By placing his armor in a place like this, David was demonstrating his commitment and willingness to serve God, even if it meant a difficult and unusual situation. Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that this is a historical account, not necessarily a literal description of what happened exactly. It's a symbolic representation of a significant event in the Old Testament. In short, this verse tells us about a remarkable act of dedication and loyalty by David, and it points to a larger story of God’s plan for his future. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of the verse?