Definition: And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 1 Samuel 14:16. It’s a really interesting story about David and his situation! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul, the King of Israel, was having trouble with a man named Goliath. Goliath was a giant warrior who was challenging Saul to a battle. Saul was worried about losing the battle and wanted to get rid of Goliath quickly. What Happened Next: David, Saul’s incredibly loyal and brave second-in-command, had a clever plan. He sent his men to Gibeah (which is a neighborhood near Jerusalem) – a place where people often lived with a strong connection to the divine. He told them to watch for Goliath. What Did David Do? David and his men started beating down Goliath, essentially harassing and trying to force him to come out into battle. It was like they were trying to push him off his mountain! The Result: As David's men relentlessly pursued Goliath, they melted away – meaning they disappeared or left quickly. It seemed like Goliath had vanished because of the pressure from David’s men! What it Means Figuratively (and maybe a little bit about David): This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God was helping David to become stronger and more powerful. It suggests: God's Favor: David was receiving divine favor because of his actions. Divine Protection: God was protecting him from danger, even though he wasn’t directly involved in the battle. Overcoming Challenges: It symbolizes David overcoming a major challenge (Goliath) through his courage and strategic thinking. In short, it's a story about how God helped David rise to become a powerful leader by guiding him towards a good outcome. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why the biblical scholars debate its exact meaning? How it relates to David's character development?