Definition: And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 7:15. It's a really significant and important statement about God’s plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God decided that He would be the one to lead and protect Israel. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Samuel” : Samuel was a very important judge in ancient Israel. He was a leader who helped the people follow God’s laws. “Judged” : This means he looked over Israel – meaning the entire nation – and assessed them. He saw what they were doing right and wrong, and made a decision about how to handle them. “All the days of his life” : This is the key part! It means forever . God decided that He would be the one to guide and protect Israel for all eternity. What does this say about Israel? It suggests that God has a special, unwavering commitment to Israel. It’s a declaration of His sovereignty – meaning He is in control and doesn't allow anyone else to dictate their fate. It’s a powerful statement of God’s love and faithfulness to His people. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foundational part of the story of David and his relationship with God. It shows that God’s plan wasn't just for Israel to exist , but to be protected and blessed. It sets the stage for the events of the Book of Samuel, where God chooses David to become king and ultimately leads Israel to prosperity. In short, this verse says God chose to be the leader and protector of Israel forever. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?