Definition: And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 22:19. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about violence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a brutal attack on Nob, a city that was heavily involved with religious rituals and priests. The attackers – the "Nob" – deliberately and systematically slaughtered everyone – men, women, children, animals, even oxen and asses! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Nob, the city of the priests…” : This tells us we're talking about a specific, important religious center. It’s not just any city; it’s one that was deeply connected to worship and priestly authority. “…smote he with the edge of the sword…” : This is the key part. The “Nob” used a sword to attack them. “Smote” means to strike or harm severely. “…both men and women, children and sucklings…with the edge of the sword.” : This is the horrifying detail. They weren't just targeting adults; they were inflicting unimaginable suffering on everyone – infants, the elderly, the vulnerable. It was a massacre! What’s the Message? This verse highlights several important things: The Danger of Religious Power: It suggests that religious leaders and institutions can be incredibly dangerous when they wield power over people. This isn't just about political power; it’s about the potential for violence rooted in faith. The Brutality of Violence: It vividly shows how violence – especially violence against innocent people – can be devastating. God’s Justice (Potentially): Some interpretations suggest this verse is a reminder that God actively intervenes to punish those who misuse power and cause harm, even if it's through violent means. Context: 1 Samuel 22:19 is part of a larger story in the book of Samuel. It’s often seen as a response to a previous attack on Israel. It emphasizes God’s righteous anger against those who abuse their authority and cause suffering. In short, this verse describes a catastrophic event – a deliberate slaughter of everyone – orchestrated by a powerful group driven by religious zealotry. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel 22? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the book? Or, perhaps, offer some different interpretations of its meaning?