1 Samuel 28:20

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَسَقَطَ شَاوُلُ فَوْرًا عَلَى الأرْضِ. وَخَافَ بِسَبَبِ مَا قَالَهُ صَمُوئِيلُ. وَكَانَ أيْضًا مُنهَكًا لِأنَّهُ لَمْ يَذُقْ طَعَامًا طَوَالَ ذَلِكَ اليَوْمِ وَتِلْكَ اللَّيلَةِ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Saul, the king of Israel, falls to the ground in fear after speaking with Samuel's spirit. He is so frightened by Samuel's words that he has no strength left, having not eaten for a whole day and night.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are so scared by a spooky story that you feel too weak to even stand up, and you've been so worried that you couldn't eat or sleep. That's how Saul felt after talking to Samuel's ghost.

Historical Background

The book of 1 Samuel was written by various authors, including Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, around the 10th century BCE. It was written for the Israelites to understand the transition from the time of judges to the monarchy, and to illustrate the importance of following God's commands.

Living It Out Today

This verse reminds us of the power of fear and the importance of self-care. In a modern scenario, someone might neglect eating and sleeping during a high-stress situation, like preparing for an important exam or a major work project, and end up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Topics

• fear
• prophets
• kings
• spiritual encounters
• self-care
• judgment

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 28:65
• 1 Kings 13:2
• Job 4:14
• Luke 21:26
• Revelation 6:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul fall to the ground?

Saul fell to the ground because he was overwhelmed with fear after hearing the words of Samuel's spirit, which likely foretold his downfall.

What can we learn about self-care from this verse?

This verse highlights the importance of taking care of our physical needs, even in times of stress or fear, to maintain our strength and resilience.

How does this verse relate to the theme of fear?

This verse demonstrates how fear can lead to physical and emotional weakness, showing the profound impact that spiritual encounters can have on a person.

What was the significance of Samuel's appearance?

Samuel's appearance was significant because it showed Saul the consequences of his actions and the dire future that awaited him, emphasizing the role of prophets in divine communication.