Definition: And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that [is] not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 19:12. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about a man who was being treated unfairly. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: A Man is Being Harassed: The verse describes a man named “his master” who is being relentlessly harassed by people who are moving through a specific area – Gibeah. “Not of the Children of Israel” : This is the key. Gibeah was a special, protected area for people who were not Israelites. It was a place where women, priests, and healers lived, and it was considered sacred ground. The man’s master was intentionally moving through this area, disrupting the peaceful life of those who lived there. “We will pass over to Gibeah” : The master's response is clear: he wants to avoid going into Gibeah. He’s deliberately choosing a different route – stepping over the boundary of this protected zone. What it’s about: This verse speaks to injustice and protection. It highlights that someone who is being treated unfairly has the right to protect their own space, their own people, and their own sacred ground. It's a message about: Justice & Protection: The man's action shows that he recognizes the importance of protecting vulnerable people. Respect for Boundaries: It emphasizes respect for established boundaries and traditions – specifically, the religious and cultural significance of Gibeah. In short, it’s a story about a master choosing to avoid disrupting a community and prioritizing their own space. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges 19? Discuss the historical context of this passage? (It's believed to have happened during a time of conflict.) Explore the meaning behind the word “Gibeah” itself?