Definition: Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 5:10. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the story of David and his time in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: David is King: Before long, David was king of Israel. He was a very popular and powerful leader. The Ark Arrives: Suddenly, an ark – a large portable temple – arrives in Ekron. This wasn’t just any ark; it was a special one built to house God's presence. The People React: The people of Ekron, who were already a small tribe, start to panic and shout out their disapproval. They believe the arrival of the ark is a sign that God is bringing judgment upon them. What’s Happening – It’s About Judgment: This verse essentially says: “The people of Ekron are angry because they think the ark is coming to destroy them.” They're interpreting the arrival of the ark as an attack and a threat to their lives, their traditions, and their way of life. In simpler terms: They believe that God is punishing them for something they’ve done or aren’t doing correctly. The Significance - Why it Matters: David's Response: David understood this and didn’t try to argue with the people. He knew he needed to protect the ark – it was a symbol of God’s presence and his covenant with Israel. A Promise & a Test: The verse is part of a larger story that shows David's growing understanding of God's plan. It also presents a test for David: Does he obey God’s will, even when it's difficult? Overall Meaning: This passage highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's judgment. It also shows how David handled a challenging situation with wisdom and respect. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of this story (like why it happened)? Or, would you like me to give you a more general explanation of the importance of obedience in religious texts?