Definition: And the children of Benjamin said, They [are] smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:32. It’s a really important moment in history! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Situation: A Siege: The Israelites were camped near Jerusalem. They were being besieged by the Philistines, who were attacking them. A Fight: During this siege, the Philistines started attacking the Israelites. It was a very dangerous and difficult situation. What Happened Next: The Children of Benjamin: This refers to a specific group of Israelites – the Benjamites – who were known for being restless and sometimes rebellious. “They are smitten down” : This means they suffered a big defeat, perhaps losing some soldiers or experiencing a significant setback in battle. “As at the first.” This is a crucial part of the verse. It’s like saying “It happened just like it was before.” They were already facing challenges, and this attack only made things worse. What Did the Israelites Do? Fled: The Israelites, recognizing the danger, decided to flee from the city. Drew Them Away: They instructed the people to move away from the city – towards the roads and highways. They wanted to get themselves out of that dangerous area. In short: The Israelites were facing a serious threat, but they made a smart decision to escape the fighting and seek safety. Overall Meaning: It’s a story about recognizing danger and acting decisively to protect themselves. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's better to move away from a difficult situation than to fight it head-on. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide more context about the history of this event? Talk about the significance of this story in biblical storytelling?