Definition: And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that [belongeth] to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:4. It’s a really important passage about justice and responsibility in a time of conflict. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Woman is Killed: The story begins with a woman being killed during a battle. The Levite Takes Over: The Levite, who was the husband of this woman, takes over the responsibilities and land that belonged to Benjamin – a man who was connected to the woman’s family line. He’s Staying There: He's staying in Gibeah, which is a specific area of Israel known for being a place where the descendants of Jacob (who had a son named Benjamin) lived. What This Verse Means – It’s About Justice & Responsibility: This verse essentially says: “Because this woman died, I’m taking over her land and responsibilities.” It's not just about him being a neighbor; it’s about him acting as the rightful owner of the land because he was connected to her family. Here's what it highlights: Justice is Being Done: The verse emphasizes that God is involved in justice. It's not about who killed the woman, but how we handle the situation – by ensuring fairness and honoring the deceased’s legacy. Responsibility: The Levite isn't just passively living there; he's actively taking on a responsibility to care for the land and its people. Important Note: It's a bit of a complex passage, and different interpretations exist. But this verse points to a situation where the law is being applied to ensure that the deceased’s family – and therefore the land they were connected to – are treated fairly. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges 20? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Compare it to other stories in the Bible that deal with justice or leadership?

Definition: But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:40. It's a pretty dramatic passage about a huge fire! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: A Fire Starts: A massive fire erupts in the city of Benjamite, causing thick smoke. They Look Back: The people of Benjamite are terrified and look back to see where the fire is coming from. It Ascends to Heaven: The fire actually climbs up into the sky! It’s not just burning down; it's moving upward, reaching heaven. What it Means Figuratively (and a bit poetically): This verse isn't about literal flames in the city. It’s a powerful metaphor for something much bigger: God’s Judgment: The fire represents God's judgment against Benjamite. It’s a sign that God is angry with them and wants to punish them. A Test of Faith: The fact that the fire reaches heaven suggests that this punishment isn’t just about inflicting pain, but also about testing their faith – their belief in God and their commitment to following His will. Hope for Restoration: The verse implies that even though there's a terrible situation, God is ultimately in control and is working towards a better outcome (restoration). In short, it’s a story about God’s power and his willingness to punish those who reject Him, but also to ultimately restore what is right. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a quick summary of the context surrounding this event in the Old Testament?

Definition: And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 20:41. It’s a really important and sobering passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel Was Being Targeted: The story begins with Israel being invaded by the Philistines. This was a very serious situation for them. Benjamin's People Were Affected: A significant portion of the people in Benjamin were attacked and harmed. This wasn’t just a random incident; it was a deliberate attack. The “Evil Came Upon Them” - It Means a Serious Problem: The verse says that these attacks weren’t accidental. They were caused by something bad happening – evil coming upon them. What Does "Evil" Mean? This is where it gets a bit deeper. The Bible doesn't always use the word “evil” directly. It means: A terrible, dangerous situation: A situation that threatened Israel’s safety and well-being. Something disruptive or harmful: Something that was upsetting and causing problems for them. In simpler terms, it describes a time of great danger and disruption. The Significance & Why It Matters: This verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It's a reminder that God’s judgment isn’t just about punishment, but often about bringing about problems when people stray from the path of righteousness. Key Takeaway: Judges 20:41 tells us that God was watching over Israel and saw that their situation was becoming increasingly dangerous due to the actions of some within Benjamin. It's a reminder that we should always be mindful of our choices and strive to follow God’s will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:42. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a huge battle. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was being attacked: The Israelites were facing a serious threat – they were being invaded by the Philistines, who were a powerful group of warriors. They turned away: The Israelites, feeling threatened and scared, started to run away from their homes and the battle began. The battle came - and it was fierce: A huge battle erupted between the Israelites and the Philistines. It was a very intense fight. The city dwellers destroyed: As the battle raged, some of the people in the cities – the Israelites’ neighbors – started to attack the soldiers and warriors. They were actively trying to harm the defenders. What happened next? The battle overtook them: The battle went on for a while, and it was very dangerous. They destroyed the city dwellers: In the midst of all the fighting, the Philistines completely destroyed many of the people in the cities. Putting it all together - A Simple Explanation: “Judges 20:42” describes a moment where the Israelites, driven by fear and fleeing, turned their backs and abandoned their homes, while the Philistines attacked them with full force. The battle was so intense that they destroyed the people living in the cities as well. Key Takeaway: It's a story about bravery, fear, and the consequences of turning away from God’s protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a larger theme in the Bible (like faith, courage, or judgment)?

Definition: [Thus] they inclosed the Benjamites round about, [and] chased them, [and] trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 20:43. It’s a really important and dramatic story! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem with the Benjamites: The story begins when a group of Benjamites – some of whom were leaders – started to encroach on the territory of another people, the Philistines. They were causing trouble and disrupting peace. The Judges Respond: God’s judgment is swift! The judges (leaders of Israel) decide to put a stop to this problem. They enclose (build walls around) the Benjamites. A Chase & Aggression: Then, they chase them relentlessly. They don't just let them go; they aggressively pursue them down a road towards the rising sun. What it Means in Plain English: Basically, the judges were sending a very strong, forceful message to the Benjamites: “We’re going to stop you from taking our land and disrupting our peace.” They used a combination of physical force (chasing) and intimidation (the sun rising – symbolizing a new day and a harsh judgment). Key Ideas & Context: Divine Justice: This story is often seen as a demonstration of God's justice. He’s punishing those who violate his rules and disrupt the peace. The Role of Judges: The judges are portrayed as actively involved in this process, showing that they are responsible for maintaining order and protecting their people. It’s Not Just About Violence: It’s important to remember that this wasn't just about physical violence. The story also highlights the importance of justice and punishment . Important Note: This passage is a bit complex, but it speaks to a larger theme in the Bible: God's willingness to punish those who disobey his laws and disrupt his order. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the story in more detail? Compare this passage to another story or biblical context?

Definition: And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these [were] men of valour.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:44. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about the consequences of a terrible act. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: The Setup: The story begins with King Saul being tricked by a serpent (a metaphor for evil) who tells him to kill his own son, turning him into a servant. This is a huge betrayal and sets the stage for disaster. The Attack: A large group of soldiers, led by Benjamin, attack Saul’s palace. They are incredibly violent and relentless. The Result: The attackers systematically kill almost all of the men in the palace – including the king himself. What the Verse Means (in simpler terms): “And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these [were] men of valour.” “There fell…” This means a massive loss occurred. It wasn’t just a few people lost; it was an overwhelming number. “…of Benjamin…” Benjamin is the name of one of Saul's most trusted and loyal soldiers. He was crucial to the attack. “…eighteen thousand men…” This is the shocking part. It’s a huge number – almost all the men in the palace were killed! This isn’t just a few casualties; it was a devastating loss of life. “…all these [were] men of valour.” This is key. “Valor” means bravery, courage, and willingness to fight for what's right. The verse says every single one of these men were brave warriors. Overall Interpretation: The verse highlights the devastating consequences of betrayal and violence. It’s a stark reminder that even those who are supposed to be loyal and trustworthy can fall prey to evil and become victims. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance against deceit and the dangers of unchecked power. In short, it's a powerful statement about the immense loss of life caused by betrayal and the bravery of those who resisted. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer for you? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of the story? What does "valor" mean in this context? How does this verse relate to other stories in the Bible?

Definition: And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:45. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a group of people fleeing a powerful enemy. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.” Let's unpack it step-by-step: 1. “And they turned and fled…” – This is the key part. The people who were fleeing weren’t just running away from something; they were actively turning away from a threat. They felt threatened and decided to escape. 2. “…toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon…” - They chose to go into a very remote, isolated area – the "rock of Rimmon" – in the middle of the desert. This was a place of great importance and protection in ancient Israelite history. It symbolized a place of refuge. 3. “…and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men…” - This is where it gets interesting. They didn’t just run; they gathered a large group of people (five thousand!). They were actively seeking to collect and acquire what they could. This suggests a strategic effort to weaken or eliminate the enemy. 4. “…and pursued hard after them unto Gidom…” - They weren't just observing from afar. They began relentlessly pursuing these fleeing individuals, moving towards a specific location called “Gidom.” “Gidom” likely meant a place of significance – perhaps a border or an important landmark. 5. “…and slew two thousand men of them.” - This is the shocking part. The pursuers didn’t just try to stop them; they killed many of those fleeing people. It suggests a brutal and decisive action taken to eliminate a significant threat. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of intense conflict and desperation. The fleeing group was facing a powerful enemy, and they took decisive action – they actively sought to eliminate the threat through force. It’s a story of bravery (in their desperate escape), ruthlessness (in the slaying of the pursuers), and ultimately, victory achieved through a combination of strategic maneuvering and violent confrontation. Important Note: The text is very old and some interpretations focus on the symbolism of the "rock of Rimmon" as a place of protection and judgment. It’s a complex story with multiple layers of meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Offer different possible interpretations of the event?

Definition: So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:46. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about a violent event! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Raid: The verse describes a large group of soldiers (around twenty-five thousand) who attacked Benjamin, a young king in Israel. They Were Brave & Prepared to Fight: These soldiers weren’t just any soldiers; they were men of valour . “Valour” means courage and willingness to fight bravely. They were prepared for battle. Putting it Together - A Powerful Message The verse essentially says that these men were incredibly determined and ready to fight, even in the face of a dangerous situation. It emphasizes their commitment to defending themselves and their territory. Why is this significant? This passage is often seen as a warning about the dangers of pride and aggression. It suggests that when people become too confident and focused on their own power, they can become reckless and lead to conflict. It's a reminder to be wise and careful in our actions and not let ego cloud our judgment. Important Note: This is a very old passage from the Bible, and it’s often interpreted as a symbol of the dangers of pride and recklessness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context about the story behind this verse? Discuss its possible meaning in a broader theological sense?

Definition: But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Judges 20:47. It’s a really important story about a group of people being led astray and escaping into a place of refuge. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A group of Israelites (and some allied people) were led by a man named Jephusiah by the prophet Samuel to a remote area called the “Rock Rimmon.” They stayed there for four months. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But six hundred men turned and fled…” : This is the key part! A large group of people – probably around 600 – decided to leave their homes and go somewhere else. It was a significant decision, suggesting they felt uncomfortable or were being pressured. “…to the rock Rimmon…” : “Rimmon” is a Hebrew word that means "rock" or "cliff." They chose this specific location – a rocky area – as their base of operations. "...and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.” : They stayed there for almost a whole year! This was a long time, and they made it a permanent home. What’s the Significance? This story is significant because: It shows resilience: It demonstrates that people can choose to leave their comfort zone and seek refuge when things become difficult. It highlights obedience to God: The Israelites were instructed by Samuel to go to this place, which suggests they believed God’s guidance was important. It’s about escape: The fact that they chose a rocky location shows they needed to get away from something – possibly a dangerous situation or pressure. In essence, this verse describes a group of people who bravely made a difficult decision to go into a secluded place for an extended period, demonstrating their commitment to God and seeking safety. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Give you a more detailed explanation of any particular part of this verse?

Definition: And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of [every] city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 20:48. It’s a really shocking and frightening passage about violence and betrayal. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Israel is in trouble: The story begins with Israel being invaded by the Philistines. They are facing a serious threat. They attack Benjamin: A group of Philistine warriors, led by the son of Goliath (who was a fierce warrior), attack the children of Benjamin – a prominent tribe of Israelites. This tribe was known for its strength and leadership. Massive Violence & Destruction: They systematically massacre the children of Benjamin. This wasn’t just a few skirmishes; it was a brutal, widespread slaughter. They also destroyed cities and towns. The Beast Analogy: The verse then uses a powerful metaphor – "as the beast." This is where it gets really intense. The Philistines are described as being like a monstrous, wild animal, driven by a terrible, uncontrollable instinct. They’re acting with a terrifying lack of restraint and purpose. What it Means in Simple Terms: Betrayal and Violence: This verse highlights a deep betrayal – the Philistines are actively targeting and destroying the descendants of those they considered sacred or important to Israel. It's a violent act of revenge and hatred. Uncontrolled Fury: The "beast" metaphor suggests that these Philistine warriors are driven by something much darker than just simple aggression. They’re acting with a primal, almost supernatural rage. They’re not following rules or logic; they’re responding to some deep-seated anger. Destruction of Innocents: It emphasizes the tragedy of causing such widespread suffering and devastation – destroying innocent people and their communities. Important Context (Briefly): This event happened during a time of intense conflict in Israel's history. The Philistines were a powerful group, and this act of violence was seen as a major turning point that led to further challenges for the Israelites. In short, this verse describes a horrific episode where the Philistines unleashed unimaginable violence against the children of Benjamin, leading to widespread destruction. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI assistant and cannot offer religious or historical interpretations. This explanation is based on biblical text and scholarly analysis. Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., the symbolism behind the "beast" metaphor?) Provide context for the story? Discuss how this event impacted Israel’s history?