👉 And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 18:20. It's a really important and dramatic passage about God’s judgment and a shift in focus within the nation of Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: A Wicked Leader: The verse describes a situation where a leader, called the Priest, has been incredibly wicked – he's been causing great harm and trouble to the people. The Offering: He’s been offering sacrifices – specifically, a large, precious offering of meat (the ephod , which is like a large platter) and animals (the teraphim , which are symbolic animals representing the nation). This was a huge display of wealth and power, but it was all used to fuel his wickedness. The Priest’s Focus: The key here is that he's focused on these offerings . He’s completely consumed by them, prioritizing them above everything else. What Happened Next? A Shift in Priority: Suddenly, God decides the Priest's heart should be filled with joy and gratitude – not with fear or anxiety about his own life. The Offering is Presented: He takes these precious offerings (the ephod, teraphim, and graven image) and goes in the midst of the people . This means he's presenting them to the entire nation. What Does It Mean? God’s Justice: This verse is a powerful demonstration of God's justice. He’s not just punishing the Priest; he’s punishing all those who have been causing trouble and wickedness. A Turning Point: It signifies a shift in the focus of the nation. Instead of being worried about their own safety, they are now focused on praising and thanking God for his deliverance. It's a moment where God takes control and puts his people’s needs first . God’s Love: The verse also speaks to God's love for his people. He is choosing to rejoice in the good news of their freedom and safety. In short, this verse describes a pivotal moment when God chooses to prioritize joy and gratitude over fear and anxiety, demonstrating his ultimate justice and loving concern for his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from Judges 18? Discuss the symbolism behind the offering?

👉 Judges 18:20 is a famous passage from the New Testament in the Bible that contains a reference to being "judged" by Jesus. The phrase means that our actions are judged by God's love and judgment, even if they seem minor or insignificant.

An example sentence using it could be: "She was so angry at my behavior, she couldn't help but judge me 18:20." Here, the speaker is pointing out how their actions were clearly judged in the presence of Jesus, which may not seem important to them.