Definition: (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:23. It’s a really important moment in God’s plan and speaks about a difficult situation. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Israel was facing a massive problem – they were being relentlessly attacked by the children of Benjamin, who were considered a rebellious group. They were constantly raiding Israel's land, causing great trouble, and even attacking their own people. What Happened Next? They Were Depressed & Seeking Help: The Israelites were incredibly upset and desperate. They felt overwhelmed and hopeless. They weren’t just angry; they were sad and confused . Asking for Counsel: They turned to God, pleading for guidance. They wanted to know if it was a good idea to go back into battle against their brother, Benjamin. God's Response - A Powerful Shift: The Lord then directly answered them: “Go up against him.” What Does This Mean? It’s a Call to Action: God is telling the Israelites to actively fight against this rebellion. He’s choosing to intervene and take action. A Difficult Choice: It wasn't just about going back into battle; it was a huge, potentially devastating choice. It meant risking their lives. God's Sovereignty & Intervention: This verse highlights God's absolute authority and his willingness to intervene in human affairs when things are going wrong. He’s not just passively watching – he’s actively choosing to guide and help. In a nutshell, this verse is about recognizing that sometimes, we need God’s help to overcome overwhelming challenges. It shows that even when we feel lost and hopeless, God will always find a way to bring us through. --- To help me explain it better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in understanding? (e.g., the context of the rebellion, the significance of the plea for counsel, or something else?)