Definition: And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 2:34. It’s a really significant and dramatic verse with a lot of meaning. Here’s what it says, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a horrific event – the death of two young men – that is a clear sign of God's judgment. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And this [shall be] a sign unto thee…” - This is a way of saying "This will happen, and you will see it." It’s about revealing something important. “…that shall come upon thy two sons…” – This refers to Samuel’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. “In one day they shall die both of them.” - This is the core of the verse. They will die immediately . What does it mean? This is a very strong warning from God! It's telling Samuel that something terrible is about to happen to his sons, and it’s happening in a single day. It suggests: God's Justice: The verse speaks of God’s righteous judgment against those who disobey Him. This isn’t just any punishment; it's a consequence for wrongdoing. A Test of Faith: It’s also likely a test of Samuel’s faith and obedience to God’s commands. He was being tested to see if he would follow His instructions without question. Context is Important: This verse comes from a time when the Israelites were struggling with their relationship with God. They had been disobeying God's laws and ignoring His guidance, and this verse is a direct consequence of that disobedience. It highlights the importance of obedience and repentance. In short, it’s a dramatic warning about impending death for two young men due to their refusal to follow God's commands. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: Its historical context? The meaning of "Hophni and Phinehas"? What it might symbolize in a larger story?