Definition: And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 28:15. It’s a really powerful and emotional moment in the story of David and God’s relationship with him. Here's a simplified explanation: What’s Happening: David is in trouble: Saul, who was the King of Israel at the time, is deeply distressed. He feels like God has abandoned him – he’s being targeted by enemies, and God isn't answering him. Samuel is speaking: Samuel, David’s father-in-law, is speaking to him. He’s trying to understand why Saul is so upset. Saul explains his distress: Saul says he's “sore distressed” – meaning he’s very worried and anxious. He feels like God has turned away from him. He’s also saying that the Philistines are attacking him, and God isn't helping him. He feels completely alone and hopeless. What does it mean? This verse speaks to a crucial moment in David’s life – he was essentially a spy for Saul, reporting back to the King about things happening in Israel. When this happened, it put David in a dangerous position. He was being used as a pawn in a political game. “Why hast thou disquieted me…” : Samuel is asking why David is bothering him so much. “…to bring me up?” : This is a question of why he’s being bothered. It suggests that Saul, or someone connected to him, wants to know what David will do – how he responds to the situation. “And Saul answered…” : Saul's response reveals his fear and desperation. He’s admitting he feels like God has abandoned him. "...I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.” : This is a desperate plea. Saul says he’s calling Samuel because he needs to know exactly what David should do in this situation. He's asking for guidance and clarity – he wants to know the right course of action. He feels like God has vanished, offering no help or comfort. He also expresses that he can’t get any guidance from prophets or dreams – it’s a deep sense of abandonment. In essence: This verse paints a picture of a king in crisis, feeling isolated and without divine support. It's a moment where David is grappling with a difficult situation and desperately seeking reassurance and direction. What does this tell us about faith? It also speaks to the importance of trust – trusting God even when things seem bleak. David’s plea for guidance highlights that we need faith and reliance on God, even during times of hardship. It reminds us that God is always present, even when we can't see him. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories?