Definition: When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachelâs sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 10:2. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic moment in David's life. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: David is on a journey to the grave of his nephew, Rachel’s, son, Benjamin. He’s traveling through the region of Benjamin (a part of Israel) and he’s looking for some asses (donkeys). Let's unpack the details: “When thou art departed from me…” : David is leaving. He’s not staying here. “…to day…” : This means right now . It’s happening today . “…then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre…” : This is the key part. "Rachel's sepulchre" refers to the grave of Rachel, David’s mother. He’s looking for two men at her grave. "...in the border of Benjamin..." : They are near the boundary (edge) of a specific area – Benjamin. It’s a location near where Rachel is buried. "...at Zelzah...” : This is a place name, likely a small town or village. “Zelzah” sounds like a place in the region. “…and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you…” : This is where it gets emotional. Two men arrive at Rachel’s grave and say something very specific: “We have found the asses you were looking for!” And then they say something about David's grief – that his father has left them in charge of the asses. The man says, "He is sad because you are grieving." Overall Meaning - It’s a Plea from the Father: This passage reveals a deep and painful moment of David’s heart. His father, who is dead, is now trying to comfort him. He's acknowledging that David is mourning, and he's offering a way to alleviate this sadness – by having two men take care of the asses. It highlights David's immense grief and his need for solace. Why it’s significant: David's Character: This shows David’s emotional capacity - his ability to feel deep sorrow. His Relationship with God: It suggests a connection between David and God, and perhaps a plea for guidance and comfort. The Importance of the Grave: It underscores the significance of Rachel’s grave as a place of remembrance and mourning. In short, this verse is a snapshot of David's emotional state – filled with grief and a need for support. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?