Definition: For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about a devastating attack. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Pekah is the Enemy: The verse describes a huge battle between Pekah, a ruler of a small city called Judah, and the Israelites (the people God had chosen). A Huge Loss: Pekah’s army – around 120,000 strong – completely destroyed the people in Judah. This was a massive loss. The Soldiers Were Brave: These weren't just ordinary soldiers. They were valiant men – meaning they were very skilled and dedicated to fighting. They were fiercely loyal to their God, the Lord of their fathers. What’s Happening - It’s a Warning: The verse is saying that this defeat was caused by something deeply wrong: the people had stopped worshipping God. They weren't focusing on Him and their relationship with Him. It was a rejection of the divine. Why is it Significant? This event is often seen as a warning to the Israelites about the importance of worshiping God. It’s a reminder that: God is Paramount: The verse highlights that God is the ultimate center of everything – and that He must be honored and obeyed. Disobedience = Consequences: The act of abandoning God's worship led to such a catastrophic loss. It shows that neglecting God’s will can have serious consequences for a people. In short, it’s telling us to stay close to God and not lose our faith. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the number "120,000"? Talk about the context of this event in the Old Testament?