Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 28 - Verse 23

This verse comes from the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament and refers to an incident involving the prophet Elijah. In this particular passage, Elijah, who had been fasting and praying to God for help and guidance, was faced with a situation where his servants and a woman offered him food. However, Elijah refused to eat. Despite his initial refusal, his servants and the woman persisted and eventually compelled him to eat. This verse highlights the importance of listening to the counsel and advice of others, even when we may be hesitant or stubborn. It also shows that sometimes, it is necessary to rely on the support and encouragement of others in order to make the right decisions. In the end, Elijah hearkened to their voice and got up from his place of distress to eat and gain strength. This passage serves as a reminder of the power of community and how sometimes, we need others to help us see things more clearly and guide us towards the best course of action.

One of the theological interpretations of this verse is the idea of the importance of community and interdependence. In this passage, the man initially refuses to eat, but it is through the persistence and influence of his servants and the woman that he eventually relents. This can be seen as a reminder of the support and guidance that we can receive from others in our lives, and the idea that we are not meant to journey through life alone. In a spiritual context, it can be a metaphor for the role that fellow believers and communities of faith play in helping us stay on the right path and make decisions that align with our beliefs and values.

Additionally, a word study of the term "compelled" in this verse sheds light on the concept of persuasion or influence. The fact that the man "hearkened unto their voice" after being compelled indicates that there was a level of persuasion involved in his decision to eventually eat. This can be a reminder of the power of words and influence in shaping our actions and decisions, and the importance of being mindful of the voices we listen to and allow to guide us.