Definition: See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 23:23. It's a really powerful message about God’s care for his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deeply concerned about the Israelites and their safety. He’s noticing that a wicked man, Saul, has been hiding amongst them, and he wants to know where he is. He's offering a promise of protection and guidance. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “See therefore, and take knowledge…” : This means God is showing us what's happening. He’s revealing the truth to us. “…where he hideth himself…” : This is a bit tricky. It doesn’t mean he's actively hiding in a secret place. It means he’s being secretive and withdrawing from sight. He's deliberately choosing to remain hidden. “and come ye again to me with the certainty…” : This is the key part! He wants us to know where he is. It's not just about a vague feeling; he wants us to be certain we know his location. “Certainty” means trust and reassurance. “and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass…” : This is where the promise comes in. God promises to follow us, to protect us, and to search him out. It’s a guarantee of safety. “…if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.” - This tells us who he is – Saul. But more importantly, it says God will actively search all the Israelites (the people of Judah) to find him, no matter where he is. “Thousands of Judah” refers to a large group of people. In short: God is watching over his people and is prepared to relentlessly pursue Saul if he’s hiding. He wants us to trust him and know that he will not leave us alone. What's the Bigger Picture? This verse speaks to God’s love, faithfulness, and protection. It's a reminder that even when we feel vulnerable or uncertain, God is always with us, watching over us and determined to bring good things to our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide some context about the situation Saul was in at the time? Talk about why this verse is important in the Bible?