Definition: Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 16:23. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling verse in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Samson is in Trouble: The story of Samson is about a man who was incredibly strong, but he was also tricked into being cursed by his jealous father, Jealousus. This curse made him unable to break any ropes or vines. Philistines Come to Offer a Sacrifice: A group of Philistine people – they were a seafaring tribe living in the region – came to offer a huge sacrifice to their god, Dagon. They Want to Celebrate Victory: They weren’t just offering a sacrifice; they were celebrating their victory over Samson! They thought they had won and were happy about it. They Said Something Very Bad: The Philistines then announced that they had delivered Samson into their hands. Putting it All Together - What's Happening? This verse shows a very dark moment in Israel’s history. It suggests: 1. A Betrayal: The Philistines are betraying God and the Israelites. They are actively seeking to harm us. 2. The Curse of Samson: Their actions were motivated by jealousy and a desire to punish Samson, who they considered an enemy. Their attempt to offer a sacrifice to Dagon is a clear sign of their wicked intentions. Overall Meaning – A Warning & a Turning Point: This verse is a warning about the dangers of pride and the possibility of betrayal. It's a moment where the Philistines show that they are not truly righteous or faithful. It’s a pivotal point where God begins to intervene and bring about consequences for their actions, setting the stage for further events in the Bible. Important Note: The text itself is quite brutal. It describes a very violent act of betrayal. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this story within the larger history of Israel? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?