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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 2 - Verse 36

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.

Meaning

This Bible verse, found in the book of 1 Samuel, portrays a scene where desperation and destitution have taken root in the land. The imagery of people coming to crouch before a person in authority, begging for a mere piece of silver and some bread, highlights the extreme poverty and hunger that has ravaged the community. The plea for placement in a priest's office, just to secure a meal, speaks to the drastic measures people are willing to take in order to survive. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity, and the responsibility to help those in need. It also sheds light on the consequences of societal neglect and the impact it can have on the most vulnerable members of society. Ultimately, this verse serves as a call to action to help those who are less fortunate and to strive for a society where no one has to beg for their basic needs.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the concept of desperation and scarcity is vividly portrayed as people are willing to humble themselves and seek help from those in positions of power and authority. The phrase "every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him" highlights the extreme circumstances that have led to individuals pleading for assistance. The mention of "a piece of silver and a morsel of bread" signifies the basic necessities that people are lacking and are willing to do anything to obtain. Additionally, the request to be put into one of the priests' offices in order to have access to bread sheds light on the harsh reality of hunger and the lengths to which people will go to alleviate their suffering.

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