Definition: Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 5:30. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage about a desperate battle! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Siege is Happening: The story is about Israel being besieged by the Philistine army led by Sisera. This is a major, serious threat to their safety. Sisera's Plan: Sisera wants to capture the Israelites and take their treasures. He’s planning a huge raid – essentially, he wants to snatch as many of the Israelites as possible. What the Verse Says - A Detailed Explanation: “Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?” Let’s unpack this: “Have they not sped?” – This means Sisera is moving quickly and aggressively. He's not taking his time; he’s rushing to get as many people as possible. “have they [not] divided the prey” – This is a crucial part. “The prey” refers to the Israelites. He’s trying to take as many of them as possible. He wants to overwhelm them with numbers. “to every man a damsel [or] two” – This means he's offering a choice: a woman (a “damel” is a young woman, often a bride) or two women. It’s a way of trying to get as many people as possible. “to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides” – This is the really strange part! Sisera is offering different kinds of "prey" – women, and different patterns of embroidery (needlework). It’s like he's trying to overwhelm them with a variety of options. He wants to make it difficult for the Israelites to figure out what to do. “[meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil” – This means he’s gathering all the people, and they're going to come together to fight. It's a strategic plan to overwhelm them with numbers. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse is incredibly dramatic because it highlights Sisera’s cunning and desperation. He's using a combination of speed, deception, and overwhelming numbers to try and defeat the Israelites. It shows that he's not just trying to steal; he wants to completely overwhelm them with his efforts. Why is this important? This passage speaks to a fundamental conflict: the struggle between strength (Sisera) and strategy. It also highlights the importance of deception and cleverness in warfare. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific element (like the "needlework" imagery)?