Definition: And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 20:4. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it in a straightforward way. Here’s what it means: The Basic Story: War Breaks Out: “After this” means something happened before this verse. There was a conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites. Gezer is the Battleground: Gezer was a significant city in Israel, known for its strong defenses. It was the location of this war. Sippai is Targeted: “Sippai” is a specific name – it refers to a particular child (a son) of a giant. The verse says he was killed . The Philistines Win: The Philistines, who were a group of people from the coast, defeated the Israelites and took Sippai’s family. Putting It All Together - A Simple Explanation: “After this” means that this is the result of a previous event – a war. The Philistines attacked Gezer, and they killed Sippai, who was a child of a giant. This victory meant the Israelites were weakened and vulnerable. The Significance (What it tells us about the story): It’s a Reminder of Conflict: This verse highlights that conflict isn't always new – it can have consequences. It Shows the Importance of Defense: The Philistines’ victory demonstrated the need for Israel to be strong and prepared to defend itself, especially against those who were trying to invade. Important Note: The word “hushathite” is a bit tricky. It's an archaic term that means "from the coast" or "of the sea." So, it refers to someone from the region near the sea – likely the Philistines. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse (e.g., why it’s significant in biblical history)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?