Definition: And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel’s father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 19:5. It's a really strange and dramatic passage, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here’s my explanation, aiming for clarity and understanding: The Basic Story: This verse describes a devastating event – the destruction of a city by a massive flood – and then focuses on a father comforting his son. It's a story about judgment, loss, and the importance of compassion. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass on the fourth day…” : This establishes a specific time – the fourth day of the flood. It’s a significant date in biblical history, marking a point of intense disruption. “…when they arose early in the morning…” : The people who were destroying the city were roused up and preparing for their work. They were actively attacking something. “that he rose up to depart:” This is key. The "he" refers to a powerful, possibly divine figure – likely God himself – who is deliberately moving away from a situation. He's not just wandering; he’s departing . “and the damsel’s father said unto his son in law…” : This introduces a young boy named “in law.” The father is speaking directly to him, giving him a task. “Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread…” : This is the core of the verse’s strangeness. The father instructs his son to comfort his heart with a small piece of bread. It's not about a grand gesture; it's about a simple, tangible comfort. “and afterward go your way.” : He tells his son to leave, to move on. He’s giving him a task – to be relieved and moved on. The Symbolism & Interpretation (This is where it gets interesting): Now, this verse is rich with symbolism. Here are some possible interpretations: Divine Judgment: The entire event – the destruction of the city, the flood – is seen as God’s judgment against those who desecrate His creation and oppose His will. It's a punishment for sin and rebellion. The Father's Role: The father represents God himself. He's actively protecting his people (the city) from being destroyed, but he's doing so in a very personal and deliberate way – by offering comfort. The Son’s Task: The son’s task is to be comforted. This suggests that the father isn’t just punishing; He’s also offering solace and reassurance to his son. It could mean letting go of worry or fear, finding peace in a difficult situation. Simple Comfort vs. Complex Justice: The verse highlights the contrast between severe judgment (the flood) and gentle comfort (a small piece of bread). It suggests that God's justice isn’t always about punishment; sometimes it’s about providing solace and support to those who are suffering. In essence, this verse is a story about divine intervention, the importance of compassion, and a father offering comfort amidst tragedy. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Explore a specific aspect of the verse – like its connection to other biblical stories?