Definition: They chose new gods; then [was] war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 5. It’s a really impactful and frightening verse that speaks about a significant turning point in Israel's history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was experiencing a period of great turmoil. The story begins with a severe drought, leading to famine and despair. They started worshipping new gods. Instead of the one God they had always known, Israel began to worship other deities – new gods. These weren’t just minor idols; it was a widespread shift in their religious practices. This led to conflict: The verse says that war broke out in the gates of Israel (meaning the borders were attacked). It wasn't a small skirmish; it was a major, open battle. What does "They chose new gods" mean? It means they completely abandoned their traditional worship and embraced these foreign gods. They were actively choosing to worship something different from what God had established for them. “Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?” This is the really unsettling part. It’s not just about how many they worshipped, but how many they were – 40,000 strong! This suggests: A massive, organized rebellion: It wasn't just a few people rejecting their gods; it was a large-scale movement of people actively choosing to worship these new deities. A powerful and coordinated attack: The sheer number of worshippers (40,000) indicates a well-organized effort. It suggests they were determined to challenge God’s authority and establish their own power. Overall Significance: This verse paints a picture of a nation deeply divided and on the verge of collapse due to idolatry – the worship of false gods. It highlights how quickly faith can be undermined by human choices, and it emphasizes the importance of staying true to God's word. In short, this passage tells us that Israel’s shift to new gods led to a devastating war because they actively chose to disobey God. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period and why this story is significant? Compare this passage to other stories or examples of idolatry?