Definition: And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told [it], all the city cried out.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 4:13. It's a really important and dramatic moment in the story of Samuel and David. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Story: God is Sending Samuel: The verse starts with God sending Samuel to go to Bethlehem to find his son, Saul, who had been kidnapped by the Philistines. This was a huge deal because Saul was the leader of the Israelite army. Samuel Watches from Afar: Samuel is traveling and sees a large group of people coming into the city. He’s sitting down on the side of the road, observing them. It's like he's watching a scene unfold. David’s Arrival & The News: David arrives in the city and tells everyone what he has seen. This is the crucial part – everyone cries out . What it Means - A Simple Explanation: This verse describes a moment of intense worry and fear for David. Here's the gist: David’s Heart is Trembling: Samuel was so worried about something happening to Saul that he felt overwhelmed with fear. It wasn’t just a normal, small feeling; it was deep and unsettling. He Was Watching the Ark of God: The "ark of God" refers to the golden tent that housed the two Ark of God – one containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments and another containing the sacrificial animals. It symbolized something incredibly important – God’s presence and holiness. Putting it All Together - A Bit of a Story: David was deeply concerned about the safety of this sacred object. The sight of so many people reacting with fear and commotion meant he realized the potential danger to the Ark. He was essentially bracing himself for something bad to happen, because it was a very significant thing. Why it’s Important: This verse is important because it shows: David's Character: It highlights David’s deep concern for God and his responsibility as a leader. God’s Sovereignty: It demonstrates that God is actively involved in events, even when we don't understand them. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could delve deeper into the symbolism of the Ark or the significance of the reaction from the people.