Definition: For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 3:13. It's a really powerful and serious passage about judgment and consequences. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s judgment on a man named Saul who was the commander of the Israelite army. He had been warned by God, but he ignored that warning and made terrible choices. God is saying, “Because he knew about these bad things – his sons were behaving badly and he didn't stop them – he will punish him severely.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I have told him…” : This means God spoke to Saul directly. He wasn’t just telling him something; he was giving him a clear understanding of what was happening. “…that I will judge his house ever for the iniquity which he knoweth…” : "Iniquity" is a fancy word that basically means "sin" or "evil deeds." Saul knew about these things – he was aware of the bad behavior of his family and his people. The word “knoweth” means “is aware.” “…because his sons made themselves vile…” : This is the core of the problem. Saul’s sons were behaving badly, perhaps through greed, disrespect, or other misdeeds. They weren't just being bad; they were actively doing wrong. “he restrained them not” : This is a crucial part. God didn’t stop Saul from making these mistakes. He simply allowed them to continue, without any intervention. What does this mean in terms of consequences? It means that God will hold Saul accountable for his actions, and he will face the full consequences of his choices. It's a very serious statement about God’s justice and judgment. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it shows: God’s Sovereignty: He is in control and doesn’t tolerate evil. Accountability: We are all responsible for our actions, and we must face the consequences of them. Divine Justice: God will ultimately right every wrong, even if it takes time. In short, this verse describes a moment where God judged Saul's family for their wickedness, and that judgment will have lasting effects. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you a related story or example from the Bible? Answer a specific question about this verse?