Definition: And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 4:18. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about King Saul. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul is Old & Tired: The verse tells us that King Saul was incredibly old and weary. He had been ruling Israel for forty long years! He Fell Backward: As he was sitting on a stool near the gate of his palace, he suddenly fell backward. It’s like he stumbled or slipped. He Died: Because he was so old and tired, he died in that position. He Was Marked by His Judgment: The fact that he died while mentioning the “ark of God” – a sacred object – suggests that his reign was marked by a significant period of judgment and trouble. What does it mean? This verse is a bit mysterious, but it speaks to several things: The Weight of Leadership: Saul’s forty years of rule were incredibly difficult. It meant he was constantly facing challenges, making decisions, and dealing with people's problems. A Moment of Reflection: His death at that moment suggests he was taking time to reflect on his life and the consequences of his actions. God’s Judgment (Potentially): The mention of the “ark of God” can be interpreted as a sign that God was watching over him and judging his reign. In short, this verse paints a picture of a king who was burdened by his responsibilities and ultimately met an untimely end. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history?