Definition: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 1:12. It's a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that describes a significant event. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul was a King: The verse tells us about Saul, a powerful king of Israel who had become a bitter and vengeful man. He Was Fallen: Saul lost his way – he became deeply unhappy and driven by anger. He fell from grace. They Mourned & Fasted: His people, the Israelites, were grieving. They mourned because Saul was gone. More importantly, they fasted – they stayed quiet and prayed – for a long time. This shows their deep sadness and desperation. It Was All Because of a Sword: The core reason for this mourning and fasting is that Saul’s actions led to a devastating conflict. He was attacked by enemies (likely rebels or those who opposed him). Putting it Together - A Simple Explanation: “They mourned, wept, and fasted until even… because Saul fell by the sword.” This means Saul's anger and bitterness caused a terrible war. The Israelites were suffering because of his actions and the violence he inflicted upon them. What’s the Big Takeaway? It’s a story about the consequences of conflict and the importance of seeking peace. It highlights that even powerful leaders can be undone by their own anger and desire for revenge. It's a reminder to strive for forgiveness, understanding, and peaceful resolution – things Saul failed to do. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some context about the time period this happened in? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories or themes in the Bible?