Definition: And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 3:17. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about trusting God completely. Samuel is asking God to keep a secret – something that God has revealed to him. He’s emphasizing that he needs to be kept in God's knowledge and control, and that God will ultimately protect the secret. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee?” – Samuel is asking God directly: “What did God tell you?” It’s a request for clarification and understanding. He's acknowledging that he doesn’t fully grasp everything God has said. “I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.” – This is the crucial part. Samuel is stressing how God will handle this secret. He’s saying: "God do so to thee..." : God will use this secret for His own purposes, and it's important for God to be aware of it. "...and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee." – This is a stronger warning. Samuel isn’t asking for just a little protection; he's begging God to protect everything He has revealed to him. He’s saying, "Please don’t keep this secret from me at all. Protect it with your life!" What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the idea that God is sovereign – meaning He is in control and knows what's best. It also highlights the importance of relying on God completely, because He’s the ultimate source of truth and wisdom. It suggests that we should be open to His guidance and trust Him even when we don't fully understand things. Context - What happened before? This verse comes after a significant event in Samuel's life – he was tasked with delivering a message to Saul, King of Israel. The secret God revealed is related to the future of Saul’s reign and the potential for evil to come against him. In short: This verse is a plea for complete trust and protection from God, emphasizing that He will always be in control and safeguard any revelation He gives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger story of the Bible? Give a simpler analogy to help understand it?