Definition: And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:28. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for his people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending someone to take away the problems and bad things that are happening with Israel, specifically concerning their relationship with their neighbor. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Samuel said unto him…” : This sets up a conversation between God and Samuel, who is the leader of Israel. “…The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day…” : This means God has completely taken away the land and power that Israel had with their neighbor. It's like they lost everything – their territory, their authority, even some of their people. "...and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.” : This is the crucial part. God is choosing someone better than his neighbor. “Better” here means more generous, more kind, and more prosperous. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests that God wants to move Israel away from a difficult or problematic relationship with their neighbor. It’s about prioritizing God's will – his plan for his people – over the comfort of a potentially strained relationship with someone else. He wants to make sure he and his people are safe, prosperous, and happy. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a sign that God is working for good in the world. It’s a testament to His power and love. It shows that He's willing to prioritize our well-being and protect us from harm. In short, it’s a message of God’s protection and a shift in focus towards a better future for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (like why it happened in ancient Israel)? Explore what it might mean in relation to other biblical stories?