Definition: Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 2:17. It's a really important passage about how God saw to some young men and their actions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is looking back at a period when some young men were being disrespectful and refusing to honor the Lord. He’s saying that this was a big problem – a lot of bad behavior. Let's unpack it word by word: “Wherefore” : This means "because" or "therefore." It sets up a reason for what follows. “the sin of the young men” : This is the core of the verse. It refers to a group of young men who were disobeying God’s commands and being disrespectful. “very great” : This emphasizes how serious the problem was. It wasn't just a little bit wrong; it was a significant issue. “before the LORD” : This tells us who is doing the looking back – God Himself. It’s a reminder that this isn't about human judgment, but God’s perspective. “for men abhorred the offering of the LORD” : This is the key part! It means that people (men) were really against giving gifts and sacrifices to God – like bread, wine, and other things He used to show His love and acknowledge His power. Putting it all together: God saw that these young men were being disrespectful and refusing to honor Him through offering gifts. This was a significant problem because it showed a lack of obedience and respect, which is seen as wrong by God. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as the beginning of a story about how God’s plan for Israel began. It sets up the events that would lead to the establishment of the nation of Israel. It's a moment where God starts to focus his attention on these young men and their actions, and ultimately leads to the beginnings of a covenant (a promise) between God and His people. In short: God is looking back at a period when some young men were disrespectful towards Him, and this disrespect was causing problems for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from 1 Samuel? Give you a more detailed explanation of the meaning behind the verse?