Definition: ([For] the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse! It’s a pretty powerful and evocative image. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of Judges in the Bible. It describes a moment after a battle where the Israelites were victorious. They had taken spoils – valuable things, like weapons, armor, or even captives – and each man took them for themselves. Let's unpack it further: "Numbers 31:53 ([For] the men of war..." : This tells us who is involved – the men who were fighting in battle. "...had taken spoil..." : This means they had recovered or obtained something valuable from their victory. It’s not a reward, but rather the result of their hard work and combat. "...every man for himself." : This is the key part! It emphasizes that each man took his own spoils. It suggests a sense of individual ownership and perhaps a little bit of selfishness in the victory. What’s the message? This verse speaks to several important ideas: The Value of Victory: It highlights that a victory, even a big one, isn’t just about winning the battle; it's about what you do with what you gain . Taking the spoils shows they weren’t just celebrating their success, but also using it. Pride and Ownership: The phrase “for himself” hints at a potential element of pride in taking something that belongs to others. It could suggest a sense of entitlement or a focus on personal gain. Overall Significance: It's a reminder that victory has consequences – it can lead to selfishness, greed, or even division. It’s also a moment where the Israelites, after a hard-fought battle, started to focus on their own rewards. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this story? Explore the deeper meaning of this image (like it represents)?