Definition: Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from 1 Samuel 2:31. It's a really significant statement about David and his future role as King of Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that David is about to be given a very, very powerful and potentially dangerous position – he will become King. But this power comes with a huge responsibility and consequence. It's essentially saying he'll be stripped of his arm and the inheritance of his father’s house – meaning, he’ll be completely cut off from everything that makes him rich and valuable. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Behold, the days come…” - This is a dramatic introduction, setting the stage for something momentous. It's like saying "Soon things are going to happen." “…that I will cut off thine arm…” – This is the core of the verse. David is being given a physical punishment – his arm will be severed. This isn’t a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant, painful loss. "...and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.” - This is where it gets really profound. Let's break this down further: “The arm of thy father’s house” – This refers to David’s father, Saul. It symbolizes his lineage and the wealth and status that came with him. It's the foundation of his family’s power. “…that there shall not be an old man in thine house.” – This is the real consequence. It means David will become so powerful he will outlive everyone connected to Saul's legacy – no one will be left to inherit or benefit from that wealth and position. He’ll be completely alone, with no family to pass on his power to. What does it mean? This verse is a message of ultimate responsibility and the potential for great danger. It highlights: The weight of leadership: David was chosen as king because he possessed qualities that made him worthy. This verse suggests that this choice comes with a huge burden of power and duty. Divine judgment: It speaks to a divine perspective – God is intervening in human affairs, and the consequences of actions are sometimes unavoidable. It's a reminder that even good people can face serious repercussions for their choices. In short, 1 Samuel 2:31 describes a dramatic and weighty consequence for David’s future, signifying his ultimate role as King. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss the historical context of this passage?