Definition: And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse. It’s a pretty dramatic story about God’s action in the Middle East thousands of years ago! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel is in trouble: The verse tells us that Israel was in a difficult situation – they were being harassed by Canaanites. God heard them: God listened to Israel and felt their distress. It wasn't just a casual observation; he recognized their suffering. God intervened: God then took action – He delivered up the Canaanites. The Canaanites are defeated: The Canaanites, who were living in a region near modern-day Lebanon (which is where Israel was then located), were utterly destroyed. They lost everything – their homes, their lives, and their cities. God names a place: God then gave the location of this destruction a name: "Hormah." Putting it Together - A Simple Explanation: Basically, God showed compassion for Israel by stopping the Canaanites from harming them. He then took action to punish them and give them a new name – “Hormah” – which means “a place of destruction.” Key Takeaway: This verse is about God’s love and justice, showing that He cares deeply about his people and will intervene when they are in trouble. It's a story of divine protection and punishment. --- Important Note: This passage is from the Old Testament (the first five books of the Bible). It’s often interpreted as a sign of God’s plan for Israel to be restored to its original land. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this story might symbolize?