Definition: He smote the Philistines, [even] unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse! It’s a pretty powerful statement about God's power. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says God completely destroyed the Philistines and their surrounding area. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He smote”: This is a strong word – “smote” means to strike with force or punishment. It's not just a gentle blow; it implies a significant, forceful action. “[Even] unto Gaza”: This tells us the destruction happened to Gaza, which was a city in the region. It’s not just destroying Gaza; it’s completely eliminating it from the area. “and the borders thereof”: This means the destruction went all the way to the walls and edges of the city. It wasn't just a single point; it encompassed the entire area. “from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city”: This is the key part! It describes exactly where the destruction took place: The tower of the watchmen: This refers to a defensive structure – probably a high wall or gate – that guarded the city. The fenced city: This was a carefully planned, fortified area designed for defense. So, what's happening? God is showing his power and control over the people he has chosen. He’s completely wiping out everything within the city walls. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes from the Book of Kings in the Bible. It describes a significant event where God intervened to punish the Philistines, who were a rival tribe of warriors and had been causing trouble. In short, this verse is a dramatic statement about God’s complete victory over evil and destruction. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this event in the Bible? Give you some context around the time it was written?