Definition: Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:1. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Problem is Brewing: This verse comes after a period of conflict and trouble in Israel. There’s a feeling that things are not right and that something needs to be addressed. A Promise Made: A group of men, likely leaders or officials, made a promise – a vow – to protect a woman named “his daughter.” The word "promise" suggests a serious agreement. The Problem Arises: The key part is that they swore (or pledged) that they would not give this woman’s daughter to Benjamin. What Does That Mean? Benjamin: This is a very important name. Benjamin was a son of Jacob, and he was a significant figure in the history of Israel – known for his skill with horses. “His Daughter” - A Specific Woman: The verse refers to a specific woman named “his daughter.” It’s important to understand that this is not just any girl; it's someone of significance, likely connected to royalty or leadership. “Give Him His Daughter” – A Very Serious Promise: This is the core of the problem. It means they are absolutely refusing to marry this woman’s daughter to Benjamin. The Context - Why is this significant? This verse is a crucial moment in the Old Testament, and it highlights: A Threat to Leadership: It shows that these men were willing to take a strong stance against someone who was being offered a marriage arrangement that could cause trouble for Israel. Potential for Conflict: It sets the stage for a potentially dangerous conflict because this woman is valuable and has influence. In short, this verse describes a situation where a group of men made a firm refusal to marry a woman's daughter, which is setting off alarm bells and raising concerns about potential trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give more context about the story of Judges 21?

Definition: And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:10. It's a really shocking and disturbing passage that reveals a brutal act committed by a judge. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Judges is a Judge: The verse comes from a time when the leader of a tribe, called the “congregation,” was sending a large group of soldiers to attack the people of Jabeshgilead (which is basically the area near modern-day Bethlehem). A Very Large Force: They sent 12,000 men – a huge number – to carry out this attack. The Order to Attack: The command was clear: “Smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword.” This means they were instructed to kill and destroy people in that area. What’s Really Going On - It's a Cruel Act: Targeting Civilians: The verse specifically mentions “women and children.” This is incredibly important because it highlights the deliberate targeting of innocent people – those who are defenseless. It wasn’t just about fighting a battle; it was about deliberately harming civilians. The Sword as a Weapon: The act of using a sword to strike at the people of Jabeshgilead is presented as a violent and aggressive action. It suggests a sense of rage or vengeance on the part of the judge. Why is this a problem? This verse is considered one of the most disturbing examples in the Old Testament. It’s seen as a sign of extreme cruelty and demonstrates that even a judge can commit terrible acts. It raises serious questions about justice, morality, and the potential for abuse of power. Important Note: This passage is difficult to interpret because it describes a horrific act of violence against innocent people. It's a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general understanding of biblical texts and historical context. Different interpretations exist, and this verse should be approached with sensitivity and respect. Would you like me to: Explain another part of the Bible? Discuss the significance of this verse within a particular historical period?

Definition: And this [is] the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 21:11. It's a really serious and disturbing verse, and it’s important to understand its context and meaning carefully. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: “And this is the thing that ye shall do, ye shall utterly destroy every male and every woman who has lain by man.” Let’s unpack that: “And this is the thing that ye shall do…” – This isn't a suggestion; it’s a command. It’s a very direct instruction. “…Ye shall utterly destroy…” – “Utterly” means completely and without exception. It's not just destroying some of them, but every single one . “every male and every woman who has lain by man.” - This is the core of the verse. It refers to all women who were previously in a relationship with men – essentially, all women who had been sexually involved with men. "Lain by" means to be in a sexual relationship with someone. What’s the context? This passage comes from the Book of Judges, and it’s part of a larger story about a time when Israel was embroiled in conflict and rebellion. God is sending judgment against those who are defying him. The text describes a situation where men were being seduced by women, and as a result, they were causing trouble for the Israelites. Why is this so disturbing? This verse is extremely harsh and highlights a deeply troubling aspect of the story: sexual immorality and unfaithfulness. It suggests a culture where relationships were being abused and used to cause division within Israel. It’s a stark reminder that God has a right to judge those who violate his rules of morality and righteousness. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a condemnation of all sexual relationships, regardless of the context or intent. However, it's crucial to remember that it was written in a specific historical moment – a time when Israel was experiencing significant moral decay. It’s not meant to be taken lightly; it speaks to profound issues of trust and obedience to God’s law. In short: This verse is a command to completely eliminate all women who had been previously involved with men, as part of a broader judgment against those who were causing trouble and defying God's authority. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute religious belief or commentary. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from the Bible? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this story relates to broader themes in the Bible (like sin, judgment, and covenant)?

Definition: And they found among the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead four hundred young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which [is] in the land of Canaan.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it as follows: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people were found who had been involved in a serious betrayal – specifically, they had been having sexual relationships with men. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Judges 21:12” : This is the title of the verse itself, referring to a specific event within the book of Judges. It tells us about a trial and a legal matter. “And they found among the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead four hundred young virgins…” : This means people were discovered in a town called Jabeshgilead (which is a place near Jerusalem). The key word here is "virgins" – these are young women who were betrothed to be married. “…that had known no man by lying with any male:” This is the crucial part. It means these young women had been involved in relationships where they’ve been dishonest, or deceptive. They weren't being honest about their sexual activity. “And they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which [is] in the land of Canaan.” : This tells us where they were taken. Shiloh is a place of importance and significance in the Old Testament – it was a significant location for worship and a border area for the Israelites. They were taken to Shiloh to be held accountable for these dishonest relationships. What’s the Significance? This verse is important because it speaks about spiritual betrayal . It highlights that people can be involved in wrong behavior, even when they don't fully understand or acknowledge it. It’s a warning against deceit and dishonesty – it suggests that those who lie and engage in immoral actions will face consequences. In short, this verse describes a situation of deception within a community, leading to the removal of these young women to be judged. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the context of this event in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like sin and accountability)?

Definition: And the whole congregation sent [some] to speak to the children of Benjamin that [were] in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:13. It’s a really important passage about reconciliation and dealing with conflict. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: A group of people – the “children of Benjamin” – were causing trouble with the Israelites (and their leaders). They were disrupting peace and stability. The Plea: A large crowd, including many elders and people from the surrounding area, came to speak to the leaders of the children of Benjamin. The Goal: They wanted to bring peace and reconciliation – to talk to them and try to get things back on track. What’s Happening in the Verse: “And the whole congregation sent [some]…” : This means a large group of people, not just one individual, participated in the conversation. The word "sent" suggests a collective effort. “…to speak to the children of Benjamin…” : This is the specific group being addressed – the people who were causing trouble. “…that [were] in the rock Rimmon…” : “Rock Rimmon” is a tricky word, but it means "a fortified position" or "a place of defense." It refers to a specific area where these people were located and felt vulnerable. They were in a strategic location that made them feel exposed. “…and to call peaceably unto them.” : This is the key part! “Call peaceably” means to talk to them with kindness, understanding, and without force. It’s about trying to bring them to a peaceful resolution. Overall Meaning: This verse tells us that when there was conflict between these people and the children of Benjamin, a large group of people acted as mediators – they spoke to them, tried to understand their situation, and ultimately sought to restore peace. Important Note: The exact details of what caused this conflict are not fully known in the Bible, but it highlights the importance of addressing problems through dialogue and seeking understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of any specific part of this verse?

Definition: And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them wives which they had saved alive of the women of Jabeshgilead: and yet so they sufficed them not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:14. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here's what it means, explained as clearly as possible: The Basic Story: This verse describes the aftermath of a conflict between Israelites and a group of people from Jabeshgilead (a region near Jerusalem). After a battle, these people were spared – they were saved alive . However, they weren’t enough to completely fill the space left by the Israelites. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Judges 21:14..." : This is a specific passage within the Book of Judges. "...And Benjamin came again..." : Benjamin was a man who had been previously involved in the conflict. He returned to the area. "...and they gave them wives which they had saved alive of the women of Jabeshgilead:" This is the key part. The Israelites, after protecting these people, decided to keep them as a reminder and a source of comfort. They assigned them specific roles or responsibilities within their community. "...and yet so they sufficed them not." : This is the crucial point. They gave these women wives. But, despite having them, they weren't enough . Their presence wasn’t enough to completely fill the space and fulfill the needs of the community. What does this mean practically? It suggests a few things: A Reminder of Loss: The Israelites were dealing with a loss – the deaths or departure of these women. They honored them by assigning them roles, but it wasn’t enough to truly resolve the pain and sadness. A Symbol of Hope & Comfort: The fact that they assigned these women wives symbolizes hope for the future. It suggests that even though there was a loss, the community still had something – a connection and a way to cope with it. Overall Interpretation: This verse is about acknowledging sorrow while still finding ways to move forward. It’s a reminder that loss can be a source of strength, and that even when things seem incomplete, there's always room for hope and continued life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like forgiveness or resilience)?

Definition: And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:15. It's a bit complex, but here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a king named Benjamin who was having an affair with a woman. This affair led to a serious problem for Israel – they were divided and weakened. What it Means - Let's unpack it: "And the people repented them..." : This means the people, particularly the Israelites, felt guilty or ashamed of what happened. They realized their mistake was bad. "...because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel." : This is the key part. "A breach" means a break, an opening, or a fault. The Lord (God) saw this as a problem – it was a failure to follow God’s will and a disruption of the established order. The “tribes of Israel” refers to the different groups of people within the Israelites. So, what's happening? Benjamin's affair caused a division within the Israelite tribes. It wasn’t just a minor issue; it was a significant problem that weakened their unity and made them vulnerable. God felt this breach and saw it as a consequence of their disobedience. In short: This verse tells us that a mistake (Benjamin's affair) led to a disruption in the Israelites, and God is acknowledging that disruption through a punishment or a consequence – it’s a reminder of their broken trust. Important Note: It’s a bit of a complex story with multiple layers, but this explanation captures the core meaning of the verse. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Answer a specific question about this verse?

Definition: Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:16. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible about how to handle a situation involving women who are involved with men from the tribe of Benjamin. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Benjamin was a tribe: The verse is set during a time when Benjamin’s tribe was experiencing problems – they were losing members and facing difficulties. Women are being harmed: There were women from this tribe who were involved with men from other tribes, and those men were causing trouble. These women were being treated badly or even killed. What the Elders Said: They felt helpless: The elders of the congregation – a group of leaders – realized they couldn’t do anything to protect these women. They were facing a terrible situation. They asked for a solution: They needed a plan, and they looked to God for guidance. The Key Interpretation - It's About Protecting the Women: The verse essentially says: “We need to figure out how to care for the women who are being harmed by these men from Benjamin.” It’s not about just letting them be – it’s about providing protection and support. What did they suggest? They needed to find a way to help the women: This is the core of the verse. They needed to figure out how to assist these women and prevent further harm. Important Note: It's a Warning About Leadership & Responsibility This verse is significant because it highlights a crucial point about leadership and responsibility. It shows that when difficult situations arise, those in charge (the elders) have a moral obligation to act. They need to take action to protect the vulnerable – women in this case. In short, the verse tells us that leaders must step up and help those who are being harmed, especially women who are caught in a dangerous situation. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on commonly accepted interpretations of the text within biblical scholarship. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in more detail? Compare it to other verses? Discuss its historical context?

Definition: And they said, [There must be] an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:17. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about how to handle a situation where someone who is related to Benjamin (a significant figure in the Old Testament) gets separated from the rest of Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Benjamin was involved in a conflict: The verse describes a situation where Benjamin, a man with family ties to Israel, got lost or separated from his group during a time of trouble. They needed a solution: The people who were involved – the “they” – realized that if this happened again, it could lead to the destruction of an entire tribe (a group of people) in Israel. It was a serious concern for their safety and future. Let's unpack it further: “And they said…” : This indicates that these individuals were discussing and planning what to do. They weren’t just reacting; they were thinking ahead. “[There must be] an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin…” : This is the core of the message. They believed that someone who was related to Benjamin would need a way to be protected or given a place within the group, so it doesn't become a problem. “that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.” : This is the crucial part. It means that they needed to find a way to ensure that this person doesn’t become a problem for the entire tribe of Israel. It emphasizes protecting them from potential trouble or conflict within their own community. What does this tell us about leadership and responsibility? This verse highlights several important themes: Careful planning: It shows that leaders needed to be thoughtful about how to deal with difficult situations involving family relationships. Protecting the group: The primary goal was to safeguard the well-being of Israel, even if it meant taking a proactive step to prevent potential trouble within their own community. In short, this verse is about preventing a significant problem from escalating and impacting the entire tribe of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history?

Definition: Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed [be] he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 21:18. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: The Problem: The story of this verse is about a man named Benjamin who was being treated unfairly by the Israelites. He was being cursed – meaning he would be punished – by his brothers. The Dispute: A dispute arose between Benjamin’s brothers and a man named “Judges.” This man, Judges, was trying to take Benjamin's wife. The Ruling: The judges decided that Benjamin’s wife would not be allowed to marry anyone else – including Benjamin himself. This is the core of the problem. Let’s unpack it further: “Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters:” This is a bit tricky, but it means “Even though we don’t give them wives of our daughters.” It's saying that this restriction is being imposed because of the situation with Benjamin and his brothers. The judges are protecting themselves from a conflict. “For the children of Israel have sworn:” This is the key part. The Israelites – the people God had given to the land – were making a solemn promise. They were saying, "This man is cursed!" This was a powerful declaration. "Cursed [be] he that giveth a wife to Benjamin." This is where it gets really significant. “Cursed” means someone is punished for their actions. The phrase “give a wife to Benjamin” specifically refers to the man who was trying to take Benjamin’s wife. It's a direct, formal condemnation. What does this all mean? It highlights injustice: This verse shows that even when people are in a dispute, there can be serious consequences and unfair treatment. It emphasizes divine judgment: The judges were acting on behalf of God, punishing the man who was causing trouble. It speaks to the importance of upholding promises: The Israelites' oath (the “children of Israel” part) is very important. It shows that they were bound by a promise, and those promises need to be honored. In short, this verse illustrates a situation where someone’s actions caused significant trouble for others, leading to a formal punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or biblical themes (like covenants)? Give a slightly different perspective on the meaning – perhaps focusing on the context of the time period?