Definition: Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It [was] the ninth month, on the twentieth [day] of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of [this] matter, and for the great rain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important passage from the Book of Ezra, and it describes a dramatic event that highlights a serious situation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Gathering: “All the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days.” – This means a group of people from these two tribes (a significant part of Israel) came to Jerusalem, specifically to the area around the Temple. It was the Ninth Month: “It [was] the ninth month, on the twentieth [day] of the month…” – This tells us it was in a specific month – the ninth month – and it was a particular day. They Were Trembling: “and for the great rain.” – This is the crucial part. The group was trembling because of something very big happening. What Happened Next (The Key Point): A Massive Storm: “It [was] the ninth month, on the twentieth [day] of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of [this] matter.” – This describes a huge storm or a devastating event. The entire group was gathered outside the Temple (which was a very important place for worship), and they were visibly scared and anxious. What Does it Mean? This verse is telling us about a time when there was a serious problem with the people of Judah and Benjamin, and God was sending them a warning. It suggests: A Sin: Something had gone wrong that required a serious response from God. Divine Judgment: The "great rain" likely symbolizes divine punishment or judgment. It wasn’t just a normal storm; it was a sign of something bad happening. God's Watchful Eye: The trembling and the gathering outside the Temple shows that God is watching over them and is concerned about their situation. In Short: The verse describes a tense moment when a group of people gathered together, fearing a significant event – likely a punishment or disaster – because of a storm. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible?