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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 28 - Verse 21

28:21
And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.

Meaning

In this verse, we see the character of Saul in distress, possibly because of a difficult situation he is facing. The woman who comes before him acknowledges his troubled state and expresses her obedience to him. She states that she has put her life at risk by following his instructions and listening to his words. Her actions show loyalty and courage, as she is willing to sacrifice her safety for the sake of obeying Saul's commands. This verse highlights themes of loyalty, obedience, and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of following orders and being faithful, even in challenging circumstances. The woman's words convey a sense of duty and dedication, as she demonstrates her commitment to Saul and the tasks he has given her. Overall, this verse emphasizes the significance of loyalty and obedience, even when faced with difficulties or dangers.

Theological Overview

From a theological perspective, this verse from 1 Samuel 28:21 sheds light on the character of the woman who has approached King Saul. The woman's actions of obeying Saul's voice and risking her life to hearken to his words demonstrate a sense of loyalty and duty. Her willingness to put her life in danger to follow Saul's commands can be seen as a reflection of the importance of obedience and loyalty in relationships, particularly in the context of serving a ruler.

Word studies reveal that the phrase "put my life in my hand" signifies taking a great risk or putting oneself in danger. In this context, the woman is emphasizing the extent of her obedience to Saul's commands, highlighting her courage and dedication. By using this expression, she is conveying to Saul the seriousness of her commitment to carrying out his instructions.

Overall, this verse provides insights into themes such as obedience, loyalty, and courage in the context of relationships and service. It also highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic nuances of biblical texts to fully grasp the depth of their meaning.

American Standard Version

And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thy handmaid hath hearkened unto thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.
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