Definition: But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from Judges 11:20. Itโs a really significant moment in history โ itโs about a powerful king and his attempt to block the Israelites from entering his territory. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Sihon was a King: The verse tells us about a king named Sihon, who ruled in modern-day Israel (the land of Judah). He was incredibly powerful and wealthy. He Tried to Block the Israelites: Sihon wasn't just a ruler; he wanted to prevent the Israelites from passing through his territory. He made this a major goal. He Gathered His People: Instead of simply ignoring them, Sihon decided to do something drastic: he asked all his people โ everyone in his kingdom โ to come together and prepare for a battle. It was like saying, "Let's build a massive army and fight!" He Pitched in Jahaz: โJahazโ is a Hebrew word that means "a place of assembly" or โa gathering." Sihon organized this huge gathering โ essentially, he put all his people together in a specific location. Fought Against Israel: The key part is that Sihon's army fought against Israel . He deliberately chose to attack and challenge the Israelites. Whatโs the Significance? This verse is a warning about the dangers of arrogance, isolation, and refusing to respect others. It highlights: Pride: Sihon was so confident in his power that he became arrogant and believed he could control everything. Isolation: He chose to isolate himself from other powerful kingdoms, which made him vulnerable. Conflict: His actions led to a conflict โ a battle between Sihon's forces and the Israelites. In short, itโs a story about a king who tried to dominate a region by deliberately creating an enemy. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse happened? (Historical context?) Discuss what this verse might teach us about leadership or diplomacy? Give you a more detailed explanation of the Hebrew words involved?