Definition: Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the manâs house where her lord [was], till it was light.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 19:26. It’s a really powerful and unsettling verse that describes a dramatic event. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Woman is Involved: The verse tells us about a woman who was in a terrible, desperate situation. She’s Trying to Escape: She was desperately trying to get away from her lord and his house. It Happens at Dawn: "At the dawning of the day" means it's very early in the morning – just as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. This is a crucial detail – it’s a moment of intense vulnerability. She Falls at the Door: She falls down at the door of her lord’s house. It Gets Darkened: "Till it was light" signifies that she remained there until the sun fully emerged, meaning she was left in darkness and uncertainty. What It Means – A Bit More Deeply: This verse is a story about extreme betrayal and injustice. Here’s what it suggests: The Lord is Watching: The most important thing to understand is that God is watching. He's not just passively observing; He's actively involved in the situation. A Betrayal of Trust: This woman was likely a trusted servant or companion of her lord. She had something valuable (perhaps her lord’s favor, possessions, or secrets) that she was trying to protect. She betrayed this trust by fleeing. The Lord's Wrath: The verse implies that the Lord is angry and feels deeply wronged. He's punishing those who violate his trust and demonstrate a lack of respect for his authority. It's not just about her leaving; it’s about the reason she left – because she was being treated unfairly. A Sign of His Justice: This event is presented as a sign that God is righteous and will ultimately punish those who are unjust. It’s Important to Note: The verse doesn't tell us why the woman fell down at the door. It focuses on the fact that she was in danger and that her lord was not respecting her. It’s a moment of profound sadness and a reminder of the consequences of wrongdoing. In short, it tells us about a woman who chose to flee after being betrayed by her lord, and God is responding with his justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a different interpretation or perspective?