Definition: He asked water, [and] she gave [him] milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly beautiful and symbolic passage from Judges 5:25. It’s a really unique and layered verse, and it's packed with meaning! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a woman who was being held captive by a wicked man named Jethro. He was trying to force her to become his wife, and she refused. He then offered her something extraordinary – milk and butter! Let’s unpack the symbolism: “He asked water…” : This suggests that Jethro wasn't just offering her a simple gift; he was offering her a symbolic gift, representing a powerful and transformative event. Water often represents cleansing and new beginnings. “…and she gave [him] milk…” : This is the core of the story. Milk symbolizes nourishment, purity, and gentleness. It's a gentle offering meant to soften her resistance. “She brought forth butter in a lordly dish.” : This is the really important part. "Lordly dish" means something luxurious, impressive, and carefully prepared. It signifies that Jethro had offered her a gift of immense value – a significant and beautiful outcome of her refusal. He wasn’t just giving her milk; he was presenting her with something truly special and desirable. The Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse is about transformation and divine favor. It's a powerful illustration of God's ability to provide blessings even when people resist them. It suggests that: God’s grace is often presented in unexpected ways. He doesn’t always offer grand gifts; sometimes, it takes a little kindness or refusal to reveal the true value of something. His plans are wonderfully complex and designed to produce beautiful results. The butter represents a flourishing and prosperous future for those who choose to follow God's will. In short, Judges 5:25 is a story about a woman's resistance being overcome by divine favor, resulting in a beautiful and transformative outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore its symbolic meaning further?