Definition: But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 9:20. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about justice and rebuilding. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a devastating event where God uses fire to completely destroy a region – Shechem – that was previously prosperous and filled with strong people. It's a symbolic representation of God’s judgment and the need for complete restoration. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But if not…” - This sets up a scenario where things aren’t going as planned. It’s an “if” statement, implying that something bad is about to happen. “…let fire come out from Abimelech…” - This refers to King Abimelech, who was a powerful and wealthy leader in Shechem. He was known for his wisdom and generosity. God decides to use him as the instrument of this destruction. "...and devour the men of Shechem..." - This means that Abimelech will deliberately cause harm and destroy all the people of Shechem. It’s not just a random act; it's a deliberate, targeted attack. He’ll take everything – their wealth, their power, even their lives. "...and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo..." - The verse continues to describe this destruction, but it focuses on the people of Shechem. It says that everyone in that region will be consumed by fire – not just a few leaders, but all of them. "...and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo..." - This repeats the point above, emphasizing that the destruction is widespread. It's a complete annihilation. "...and devour Abimelech." – Finally, it says that God will directly destroy King Abimelech as well. He’ll be utterly defeated and killed by this fire. What does this mean in a bigger picture? This story is a key part of the narrative about the rebuilding of Israel after the fall of the Philistines. Here's what it suggests: Justice: God is delivering justice to those who have been unjust or harmful. Abimelech’s actions, though perhaps driven by pride or perhaps even a desire for revenge, were ultimately wrong. Rebuilding & Restoration: The fire symbolizes the cleansing and renewal that God intends for Israel. It's not just about punishment; it’s about creating a new, righteous land and people. The destruction of Shechem is a necessary step in this process. In essence, Judges 9:20 describes a brutal act of divine judgment where God uses fire to completely obliterate a region of prosperity, signifying the need for complete restoration and renewal. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: Why is this story significant in biblical history? What does it mean in terms of the themes of justice and forgiveness?