Definition: And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 28:9. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about a young woman challenging Saul, the powerful king of Israel, and accusing him of setting her up for danger. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?” Let’s unpack it: “And the woman said unto him…” : This tells us this is a conversation – a speaking exchange. The woman is speaking directly to Saul. “…behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done…” : She’s telling him something she's learned. She’s discovered that Saul has been acting suspiciously and perhaps even harming her. “how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits…” : This is the key part. “Familiar spirits” refers to people who are close to God, or who have a special connection to him. The woman believes Saul has been manipulating or controlling these people. She’s implying he's using them for his own gain. “and the wizards, out of the land…” : This adds another layer – she’s pointing out that Saul is also dealing with wizards and occultists. He’s likely relying on them for power or influence. “wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?” : This is the core of her accusation. She's saying: "You know what I've been through! You're setting me up to suffer!" She’s essentially accusing him of deliberately trying to harm or ruin her. What it means – The Big Picture: This verse shows a situation where someone is being manipulated and controlled by others, potentially with malicious intent. It highlights the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and recognizing those who might be exploiting others for their own benefit. Context in the Bible: This passage is part of a larger story about Samuel's encounter with Hannah, a woman who prayed to God for a son. Saul was manipulating her, trying to trick her into giving him a child. The woman's accusation is a powerful one – it’s a sign that something is deeply wrong and that she needs protection. In short: This verse portrays a situation of suspicion and danger, where someone is actively trying to cause harm to another person through manipulation and deceit. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Compare it to other biblical examples? Discuss the significance of Saul's actions in this context?