Definition: And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king: and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 20:39. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious story about God’s protection! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Antiochus was facing a huge battle with a giant serpent (often called a "leviathan"). The serpent was causing so much trouble that it was overwhelming the army. God, wanting to protect his people, sent a messenger – a “servant” – to go and find a man who could help him. What happened next: The servant found a young man (we can call him “man” ) who was standing in the middle of the battle. He told the servant, "Keep this man; if he disappears, you must pay me a silver.” What does it mean? This verse is about God’s protection and divine intervention. It speaks to several key ideas: Divine Protection: God isn't just watching from afar. He actively intervenes when things are dangerous. God as the Protector: The servant is essentially a messenger representing God, acting on his behalf. Protecting the King’s People: The primary goal of this act is to safeguard the king and his army. Symbolic Meaning (It’s more than just a story): This passage isn't meant to be taken literally about a specific battle. It’s a symbolic representation of God’s ongoing role in protecting His people through miraculous events and interventions. It suggests that God is always watching, intervening, and safeguarding those he loves. In short: This verse describes God sending a messenger to protect the king by ensuring a man stays safe until it's necessary for the king's life to be secured. Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, we could delve into: The significance of the "serpent" as a symbol? What this verse has to do with the story of Elijah and the prophet?