Definition: [And] as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Samuel 9:27. It’s a really important moment in the story of Samuel and David. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: David is Seeking God’s Favor: David was trying to get God’s blessing on his new position as king of Israel. He needed to show that he was worthy and obedient to God. Samuel Sends a Messenger: Samuel, the leader of the Israelites, sent a messenger to bring David to the city ofbethlehem (a very important city). A Request for Obedience: Samuel asked David to be very careful and follow instructions. He wanted to make sure David was acting in God’s best interest. What Happened Next - The Key Verse: “And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, ‘Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.’” Let’s unpack this: "As they were going down to the end of the city..." – This refers to the journey from Jerusalem tobethlehem. It's a moving and significant step for David. “Samuel said to Saul…” – Samuel is instructing David. Saul was David’s opponent, a powerful king who was jealous of David’s growing influence. "...Bid the servant pass on before us..." - This is the crucial part. Samuel asked Saul to let a servant (a person of service) go ahead of them. It's like giving someone a signal to step aside. "...and he passed on..." – This is a key phrase. – Saul, following the command, actually did pass on. He stepped aside. "...but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God." – Samuel waited for Saul to remain still and listen. He wanted to give David a chance to hear God’s message – which is a very important part of the story. What Does it Mean? This passage is about God's invitation to listen. It's a way for God to communicate with David, and ultimately, to prepare him for his role as King. It highlights that God wants us to listen to His word, even when we don’t understand it yet. In essence, Samuel was giving David an opportunity to hear the message of God through a moment of quiet reflection. --- Think of it like this: It's like waiting for a sign – a signal to pay attention – and then receiving a powerful message from God. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Discuss the significance of Saul’s actions in relation to David’s journey?