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?