Definition: And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saulâs daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 3:13. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible! Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said…” : This establishes a serious conversation between God and Samuel. “…I will make a league with thee…” : God is offering a deal – a binding agreement. He’s choosing to be close to Samuel, but with a condition. “but one thing I require of thee, that is…” : This is the crucial part. God isn't just wanting to be near; he has a specific request. “…Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul’s daughter…” : This is the core of the verse. He wants Samuel to only look at Michal Saul’s daughter (a very important and vulnerable woman) when he comes to visit her. What does it mean? This verse speaks to a very difficult and troubling situation in Samuel's life. Here's what it suggests: God is testing Samuel: It’s suggesting that God is testing Samuel’s faith, his loyalty, and his commitment. He's not simply offering a blessing; he’s pushing him to do something incredibly challenging and potentially dangerous. David’s Rebellion: The verse connects directly to David’s rebellion against God. David was plotting to attack Jerusalem, and this is a very direct way for God to show his displeasure with him. Protecting the Innocent: The focus on Michal Saul's daughter suggests that God is prioritizing the protection of someone vulnerable – a child who is being targeted. It’s about safeguarding someone from harm. Context & Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that David was in danger and that God was sending him to seek safety. It’s a dramatic moment where God’s presence is intensely focused on the well-being of someone he's concerned about. It highlights the idea of divine judgment and the importance of obedience, even when it's difficult. In short: This verse portrays a challenging situation where God demands a specific action – bringing a young woman to his attention – as a way of testing Samuel’s faith and demonstrating his care for someone vulnerable. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its symbolism in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories?