Definition: And Saulâs servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 16:15. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Someone is trying to disturb Saul. This verse tells us that someone – likely a servant of King Saul – is saying something alarming about Saul. “Evil spirit from God” : This is crucial. It suggests that this isn’t just any bad feeling, it's something specifically connected to God. The word “evil” here means wrong, harmful, or disordered. It's not a simple disagreement; it’s something that feels like it's against the will of God. What does it mean in practice? This phrase is often interpreted as Saul experiencing a spiritual crisis – a moment where he feels overwhelmed by doubt, fear, or perhaps even a sense of being attacked. It suggests that someone is trying to manipulate or disturb his peace and guidance. Important Context (briefly): 1 Samuel 16 describes this situation when God chooses Samuel as his prophet. Saul was experiencing a period of intense difficulty and uncertainty, and this verse highlights the presence of something outside of him – possibly an enemy or a troubling force - trying to disrupt his faith. In short: It’s telling us there's a problem with Saul that someone is actively working against him, causing him distress. Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Discuss potential interpretations of what it might mean for Saul? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?