Definition: And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting passage about a dramatic event in ancient Israel! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a massive and unusual event that happened when the Israelites (a group of people living near Jericho) were defeated by the city of Goliath. They captured the enemy soldiers – a huge group of people – and treated them incredibly well! Here’s what they did: Released the Captives: They didn't just leave the prisoners in a holding area. They released them, meaning they gave them freedom. Provided for Them: They gave the captured soldiers lavish gifts – clothes, food, and even horses! They made them comfortable and cared for them. Special Treatment: They didn’t just treat them like regular people. They took the weakest and most vulnerable ones (the “feeble”) and put them on horseback to carry them. Transported Them: They brought all of these freed soldiers, along with their plunder (their possessions), back to Samaria – a city known for its palm trees. The Significance & What it Means: This event was a really big deal because it showed God’s incredible care and protection for His people. It highlights: God's Love: It shows that God doesn’t just focus on winning battles; He also loves his people and wants to help them. Compassion & Justice: The act of treating the weak with special care demonstrates God's concern for everyone, including those who are vulnerable. It speaks to a sense of justice - giving someone a chance to be better. Overall, this verse tells us that God is willing to show mercy and generosity, even to his enemies. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Discuss the historical context (when this happened)? Connect this passage with other stories or biblical themes?