Definition: And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came [again] in peace.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break this verse down. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage from the Book of Samuel! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Saul was King: The verse describes a situation where Saul, who was once the king of Israel, was completely stripped of his power and dignity. Mephibosheth Arrives: Mephibosheth, a man who had been treated as a servant by Saul – essentially, a despised person – came to meet the King. He Was Unprepared: The crucial part is that Mephibosheth wasn’t dressed properly, groomed himself, or even looked presentable. He was completely unkempt and unprepared for his royal position. What it Means Figuratively (and it's important to understand this): This verse isn’t just about a man being messy; it’s a powerful metaphor for how God can deal with us when we fall short of His expectations. Here’s what it suggests: Loss of Dignity: Saul losing his power and authority is like losing our dignity, respect, and standing in the eyes of God. Disgrace & Shame: Being treated poorly and unrespected is a form of shame. Mephibosheth's situation highlights this – he was brought low and forgotten. God’s Justice: The verse says, "until the day he came [again] in peace." This implies that God isn't just punishing us; He’s bringing us back to a place of righteousness and honor. It suggests there is a time for repentance and restoration. In short, it tells us that even when we make mistakes or fall short, God has a plan to bring us back to the good, right way. Important Note: This story is often interpreted as a reminder that even those who have been treated badly can be redeemed through faith in God. It's a hope for forgiveness and restoration. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Discuss the significance of the phrase "from the day the king departed until the day he came [again] in peace"? Give you some context about why this story is important in biblical history?