Definition: And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down [at] the door of the house, and her hands [were] upon the threshold.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage together. It’s a really unsettling story about betrayal and violence. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of Judges, and it describes a situation where a woman (called “her lord”) was tricked and brutally attacked by her husband’s male servant. Here’s what happened: The Lord’s Warning: God warned the people to be careful about their husbands and to protect themselves from harm. The Betrayal Begins: The man, recognizing that his wife was being unfaithful, sent his servant to sneak into her house in the middle of the night. The Assault: The servant found his wife lying on the floor at the door. He then proceeded to brutally assault her. The Woman’s Fate: He left her there, and he went away to go with his own way. What it Means in Plain Language: Essentially, this verse tells us that a woman was tricked and murdered by her husband’s servant. He took advantage of her vulnerability and brutally attacked her. The fact that she was lying on the floor at the door, with her hands upon the threshold – meaning she was trapped and helpless – is a horrific detail that emphasizes the violence and injustice of the situation. Important Context (Briefly): The Judges: This passage comes from a time when the Israelites were facing a period of great hardship and turmoil. The judges were tasked with leading them in battle and maintaining order. The Problem of Betrayal: This story highlights a very common problem: men can be cruel and deceitful, and they can take advantage of others' weakness. Why it’s Significant: This story is a stark reminder that violence and betrayal can happen in any relationship. It also shows how God’s judgment can fall on those who are unjust or unkind. It serves as a warning to be cautious with our relationships and to protect ourselves from harm. --- Do you want me to go into more detail about any aspect of this story? For example, I could: Explain the symbolism behind the imagery (like the door representing a safe space). Discuss the context of the time period. Talk about the themes of betrayal and justice within the story?