Definition: And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very old and fascinating verse from 1 Samuel 5:12. It’s a bit poetic, but it speaks about a significant turning point in history! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of great upheaval and loss – essentially, the city of Saul (and later, Israel) was devastated by a massive flood. It's saying that everything – people, animals, even the air itself – was completely destroyed. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the men that died not…” This is key. It means that some of the people who survived the disaster were not killed. It's a contrast to the tragedy of the whole event. “…were smitten with the edormods.” This is where it gets more interesting. “Edormods” was a word used by the ancient Israelites to describe a massive flood – a huge, devastating deluge. It’s like saying "a terrible catastrophe." “And the cry of the city went up to heaven.” This is the most dramatic part. The sound of the city's distress – its cries for help, lamentations, and fear – was heard all the way to the heavens (God). So, what does this mean in terms of history? The Flood: This verse describes a massive flood that happened long ago, likely around 2175 BC. It’s considered one of the most significant events in biblical history. A Loss and a Blessing: The verse highlights that despite the devastating loss – the destruction of everything – God's presence was still felt. The city's cries reached heaven, showing that even in the midst of such tragedy, there was a sense of divine connection and something beautiful happening. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a symbol of God’s judgment and cleansing. It signifies that even when things seem lost or terrible, God remains present and powerful. It's also a reminder that while we may experience hardship, there is always hope and the possibility of renewal. In short: The verse describes a catastrophic flood that destroyed everything, but God’s presence was still felt through the city’s cries reaching heaven – a moment of both loss and divine reassurance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you a historical context for this event? Explore what this verse might symbolize in a broader sense?