Definition: And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they [were] Ishmaelites.)

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 8:24. It's a really unusual and somewhat perplexing passage, but it’s packed with meaning! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a bizarre request made by Gideon, a leader of Israel, to the people of Ishmael. He was trying to understand why they were wearing golden earrings – specifically, incredibly valuable ones. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Gideon said unto them…” : This sets up a conversation between Gideon and the people of Ishmael. “…I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey.” : This is the core of the problem. Gideon wants everyone in Ishmaelite communities to hand over their golden earrings to him. He’s essentially asking them to surrender their prized possessions. “His prey” refers to animals they hunted. “Because they [were] Ishmaelites.” : This is crucial! Gideon is pointing out that the people of Ishmael were a specific group – descendants of Ishmael, a figure in the Bible who was considered a rebellious leader. What's the Big Picture? This verse highlights several things: Gideon’s Obsession: It shows Gideon became incredibly fixated on something seemingly trivial (golden earrings) and used it as a way to test and understand people. The Power of Observation: It demonstrates that even small details can reveal a lot about a person's character – in this case, Gideon’s desire for control and his focus on the specifics of one group. Testing Faith: Gideon was essentially testing whether the Ishmaelites were truly loyal to him. His request wasn’t just about wanting the earrings; it was about gauging their faith and commitment. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of this verse are debated among biblical scholars. It's a complex passage that has been interpreted in various ways. --- In short, Gideon was asking the Ishmaelites to surrender their golden earrings as a test of their loyalty and devotion. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example: Would you like me to explain it further? Are you curious about its significance in the larger story of the Bible?