Definition: Behold, [here is] my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 19:24. It's a really complex and dramatic passage, and it’s important to understand the context to fully grasp its meaning. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Wicked King & His Wife: The story centers around a king named Jebediah who was incredibly cruel and unjust. He had a wife, a maiden named “a maiden,” who was deeply offended by his actions. A Concubin: He forced her into marriage. This is a significant act of brutality. The Command: God, in response to this wickedness, commands the judges to treat these people – the wife and her concubine – with extreme severity. Let's unpack each part of the verse: “Behold, [here is] my daughter a maiden…” - This is a poetic way of saying “God’s wrath has been unleashed.” It's not just about a single woman; it's about God's judgment on the entire family. “…and his concubine” – This refers to the wife and her concubine. They are essentially treated as slaves in this context. “them I will bring out now, and humble ye them…” - This is a crucial part. The judges are told to actively treat these people poorly. They’re meant to make them feel shame and humiliation. “…and do with them what seemeth good unto you:” – This is the most unsettling part. It's an absolute command for the judges to act according to their own judgment. It suggests they have complete freedom to inflict any punishment they deem necessary. “but unto this man do not so vile a thing.” - This is the most important part. The judges are specifically instructed not to harm this one man. This is a critical warning – it's a moral imperative. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of divine punishment and a deliberate act of vengeance against a truly wicked king and his wife. It’s a stark example of God’s power and judgment, designed to cleanse the land and punish those who have strayed from righteousness. It speaks to the idea that God's justice is absolute – He will not tolerate evil and will take action to correct it. Important Note: This story is incredibly disturbing, as it depicts extreme violence and brutality. It’s a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and obedience to God’s law. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of the story in the Old Testament? The symbolism behind the imagery used? How this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?