Definition: And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:14. It’s a pretty dramatic and complex passage, but here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.” Here’s a breakdown of what's happening: “And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they…” : This is the key part. It tells us about the funeral of two people – Saul, the former King of Israel, and Jonathan, his only surviving son. The word “they” refers to the burial of their remains. “…in the country of Benjamin in Zelah…” : This specifies where they buried them. “Benjamin” is a region in northern Israel, and "Zelah" was a specific location – an ancient city. It’s important to note this was a very significant burial ground. “…in the sepulchre of Kish his father” : “Sepulchre” means a tomb or resting place. “Kish” is another name for an ancient city in Israel, and it was Saul's home. So, they buried them within their father’s grave. “And they performed all that the king commanded.” : This is a bit confusing, but it means they followed the instructions given by the King. It suggests they were preparing for a ceremony or ritual connected to the burial. “And after that God was intreated for the land…” : This is where things get even more interesting and potentially troubling. “Intreated” means asking for something, pleading with someone. The King asked God to allow them to use this land for a specific purpose – to build a temple or continue their kingdom. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse describes a very unusual situation: Saul and Jonathan were buried in a tomb that was also a significant location for a royal family. The King's request led to this burial, which creates a strong connection between the king and his son, and it raises questions about whether Saul truly understood God’s will. Important Note: This is a passage filled with symbolism and theological weight. It’s often interpreted as a sign of Saul’s growing distance from God and his descent into sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Answer some specific questions about the passage (like what might have been happening at that time)?