Definition: And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Judges 1:17 together. It’s a pretty dramatic story about a battle and its aftermath. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Judges is a King: This verse comes from the book of Judges, which tells us about a time when Israel was struggling with a powerful enemy. Judah and Simeon are Involved: Judah, one of Israel’s brothers, and his brother Simeon, are part of the group that fought against the Canaanites. They Destroyed a City: The Canaanites were a people who lived in a place called Zephath. The story says they completely destroyed this city – it was utterly wiped out! The Name "Hormah": This is the key part. The city was named “Hormah.” It’s a tricky word, and scholars have different ideas about what it means. Some believe it's related to an old burial ground or a sacred place. Putting it All Together – A Simple Explanation: The story describes a fierce battle between the Israelites and the Canaanites. Judah and Simeon fought bravely and successfully destroyed the entire city of Zephath. The name "Hormah" suggests that this was a very important and perhaps even ancient place, possibly a burial ground or a significant religious site. Important Context: This story happened during a time of great hardship for Israel. It’s often seen as a turning point – it shows the Israelites starting to show signs of moving towards a more organized and righteous society. Key Takeaway: This verse tells us about a significant victory, but also highlights the importance of remembering and honoring those who fought bravely against the enemy. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is significant? Discuss the possible meaning of "Hormah"? Connect it to other stories in the Bible?