Definition: So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 3:30. It's a really significant and dramatic statement about a period of time in ancient Israel’s history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a long period of peace and stability for the land of Moab, but then it says that this peace was abruptly broken by God's forces. It's essentially saying that after a period of turmoil, God put an end to it. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: "So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel." – This means that Moab experienced a significant setback and loss of power. “Subdued” suggests being brought low, perhaps even conquered or controlled. “Under the hand of Israel” is a crucial part. It implies that God’s people, specifically Israel, were actively working to bring about this downfall. "And the land had rest fourscore years." – This is the really important part. "Fourscore years" refers to 40 years . This means the land of Moab was peaceful and prosperous for a long time – essentially, it was in a state of quietness and regeneration. It's like a period of blessing and healing. Putting it all together: The verse describes a time where Moab was temporarily subdued (put under control) by God’s forces. However, this wasn’t a permanent situation. After 40 years of peace, God finally brought an end to that peace, restoring the land to its original state of flourishing and allowing it to rest. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a symbol of God's ultimate plan for restoration and renewal. It’s a reminder that even after times of trouble or conflict, God can ultimately bring about healing and peace. It emphasizes that God’s judgment is ultimately a good thing, leading to a time of rest and blessing. In essence, it tells us that God’s presence was particularly strong in the land of Moab for a long time, and then His intervention brought an end to that period of peace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Judges? Explore what this story might symbolize in a broader sense (e.g., God’s judgment, restoration)?