Definition: And it shall be, [that] in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, [when] he and the people that [is] with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:33. It’s a pretty powerful warning about protecting your city – or community – from danger. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us to be prepared and vigilant when enemies attack. It’s not just saying “stay safe”; it’s giving you specific instructions on how to react. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall be…” – This sets up a command or instruction. “…that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up…” – This means you need to start acting immediately when the enemy appears. It's not about waiting for the sun to set; it’s about being proactive. "...you shalt rise early..." – This implies a sense of urgency and action. It's not a suggestion to be lazy, but rather a call to wake up quickly. "...and set upon the city…” - This refers to your city – your community – your home, or whatever is important to you. It’s about establishing a position of defense. “…and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.” - This is the crucial part. “Behold” – it's a dramatic phrase meaning “watch closely”. The verse says: If the enemy comes out against you, then you have the right to act forcefully. "Find occasion" means to assess the situation and decide what’s best – whether it’s to defend yourself, drive them away, or whatever is appropriate in that moment. In a nutshell: Don't be complacent. Be ready, be prepared, and be vigilant when an enemy appears. The verse emphasizes proactive defense as a way to protect your community. What does this mean practically? It’s about maintaining a strong defensive posture, being aware of potential threats, and having a plan to respond if danger arises. --- Important Note: This is a passage from an ancient text – the Old Testament (specifically the books of Judges and Samuel). It’s a reminder of times of great crisis and the importance of standing firm in righteousness. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about its significance in the Bible as a whole?