Definition: And they took [the things] which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people [that were] at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 18:27. It's a really dramatic and important passage about God’s judgment on a wicked group of people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: Micah’s Mischief: The verse begins with Micah, who was a prophet who warned the Israelites about a group of people called the “Filicides” (meaning "those who steal"). He made a list of these people – they were stealing from the Israelites and from others. The Response: A Hostile Army: A large army came to attack Micah’s people, led by a powerful leader named Laish. This wasn't just a casual skirmish; it was a full-blown assault. They Destroy Everything: The soldiers attacked with swords and burned the city where Micah was living. They took everything he had – his priest (a religious leader), his possessions, and even his life. Putting It Together - A Simple Explanation: God decided that Micah's wicked group of people needed to be completely wiped out. He used a powerful army to destroy them all. They didn’t just kill them; they burned their city down – essentially, they obliterated everything they had. Key Takeaways: Divine Justice: This verse is about God’s righteous anger and his power to punish evil. It highlights that God doesn't tolerate wickedness. Total Destruction: The phrase "smote them with the edge of the sword" suggests a complete and utter annihilation – not just a defeat, but total destruction. A Warning: This event is a warning to the Israelites about the dangers of being influenced by evil and the importance of resisting temptation and wickedness. Context & Why It’s Important: This story appears in Judges 18, which tells part of the story of the early Israelite history. It's a significant moment where God showed his power and established that He is in control and will punish those who disobey Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges 18? Discuss the significance of this story within the larger context of the Old Testament? Answer any specific questions you have about it?