Definition: And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 2:19. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the story of a man named Caleb, who was a leader in the Israelite army during the time of King David. Here’s what happened: Caleb is Facing Pressure: Caleb was facing intense pressure from King David to disobey God's command and not lead the Israelites into battle against the Philistines. David wanted to fight, and Caleb refused. He Takes a Refuge (Ephrath): Caleb chose to take refuge in an old city called Ephrath (meaning "a place of comfort" or "a safe haven"). This was a really important decision because Ephrath was a significant religious and historical site for the Israelites. The Unexpected Twist: However, God, through a series of events, saves him. He tells Caleb to take an entire city (Ephrath) as a refuge – essentially, a huge amount of land – for himself and his family. Putting it Together - The Meaning So, the verse basically says: "When Azubah died (meaning, passed away), Caleb took an entire city as his refuge for himself and his family." What does this tell us? God's Protection: This is a powerful illustration of God’s protection. It shows that even when people resist God’s will or make difficult choices, He can still intervene to save them. Caleb’s Faith: This story highlights Caleb’s unwavering faith and obedience to God, even in the face of immense pressure. It demonstrates that God's love is greater than any hardship. Important Note: The word "Azubah" itself is a bit mysterious. It's believed to be a remnant of an ancient Hebrew name for the city of Ephrath. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why this story is significant in biblical history? What does it teach us about trust and obedience?