What is the definition of 1 Samuel 2:36?

And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 2:36. It's a really strange and somewhat unsettling passage about a king and his household. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a very extreme and controlling situation where a king is demanding absolute obedience and service from his people, 💎especially💎 from his servants. He wants to control every aspect of their lives, including their livelihood.
Let's unpack the parts:
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“And it shall come to pass…”
: This sets up a prophecy – something that will happen in the future. 💎
“[that] every one that is left in thine house”
: This refers to 💎all💎 of his servants, his household members. It’s not just a few; it's everyone within his residence. 💎
“Come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread…”
: This is the key. He wants them to 💎completely💎 surrender to him. "Crouch" means to bend over, and “a piece of silver and a morsel of bread” suggests they'll be offered as little as possible – essentially, their meager possessions. 💎
“…and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices…”
: This is where it gets really strange. He wants to assign them to positions within the religious system (priests). He’s demanding they be assigned to a position of service and obedience, 💎specifically💎 in a priestly role. 💎
“That I may eat a piece of bread”
: This is the final demand - he demands that they serve him, and by extension, provide for his needs (food) through their labor.
What's the Big Takeaway?
This verse highlights a very authoritarian ruler who believes he has absolute control over everyone in his life and his household. It’s a stark example of a king prioritizing his own power and demands over the well-being and dignity of his people. It speaks to themes of: 💎
Absolute Power:
The king is asserting a level of control that goes beyond just governing; it's about controlling every aspect of life. 💎
Control & Servitude:
It’s a demonstration of a ruler demanding absolute obedience and servitude, making them dependent on him for their livelihood. 💎
Social Hierarchy:
The verse suggests a rigid social hierarchy where the king holds significant power over his servants, potentially creating a system of oppression.
Important Note:
This is a very old passage from a very specific historical context (the time of David and Solomon). It’s often interpreted as a warning about potential tyranny and the dangers of unchecked authority. Do you want me to: 💎 Explain this verse in more detail? 💎 Discuss its historical significance?