Definition: And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 6:4. It’s a really powerful verse that speaks about a significant event in ancient history. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a brutal and decisive action taken by the Israelites to protect themselves and their resources against a powerful enemy. Here’s what it means, broken down piece by piece: “And they encamped against them…” : The Israelites were defending themselves. They were actively fighting or preparing to fight. “…and destroyed the increase of the earth…” : This is the key part. “Increase” refers to the harvest – the crops and food that the land produced. The verse means the Israelites, through their actions, deliberately ravaged the land’s fertility. It wasn't just a casual attack; it was a purposeful act of destruction. “…till thou come unto Gaza…” : This is where the action escalated dramatically. They were actively targeting a specific city called Gaza. Gaza was a significant and prosperous place, so this was a major point of contention. "...and left no sustenance for Israel…” : The Israelites were deprived of everything they needed – food, animals, and even basic supplies. They were essentially starving. “…neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.” : This emphasizes the complete lack of resources. They had nothing left to feed their people or support their livelihood. What’s the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God was deliberately punishing the Israelites for their disobedience and lack of faithfulness. It's a stark warning about the consequences of neglecting God's laws and prioritizing their own desires over His will. It also highlights the importance of careful stewardship of the land. In short, this verse describes a period of intense conflict where the Israelites intentionally destroyed the land’s resources to protect themselves from a larger threat. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it might mean in terms of God's perspective?

Definition: And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 6:40 together. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is actively intervening to change something that was happening. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And God did so that night…” – This tells us this isn't a normal, gradual process. It’s a specific, deliberate action of God. “…for it was dry upon the fleece only…” - Imagine a shepherd tending his sheep. When it's dry on the fleece, there's no water to feed the sheep. This means something was preventing rain or moisture from falling. “and there was dew on all the ground.” – Now, this is the surprising part! Suddenly, a light drizzle started. Dew, which is moisture in the air, began to fall everywhere – even on the dry fleece itself. So, what’s the overall message? The verse suggests that God is actively controlling the weather. It’s like He's gently nudging things to happen in a particular way. It implies that something was stopping the rain, and God intervened to bring about a change – a small, deliberate shift in the natural order. What does it tell us about God? Active & Involved: It shows that God isn't just passively watching things happen; He’s actively intervening. Gentle but Powerful: The dew falling on the fleece is subtle, yet it has a significant effect – bringing life and moisture to the land. Important Note: The verse is written in a very poetic and symbolic way, so its exact meaning is open to interpretation. It’s not meant to be taken literally as a strict explanation of weather patterns. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a story or analogy? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore the symbolism behind it (like rain, dew, etc.)?