Definition: And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath [that were] born in [that] land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break this verse down. It’s a really important passage from the Old Testament, focusing on how God handles conflict and justice. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem Arises: A group of people from Gath (a region near modern-day Israel) came to the Israelites with the intention of taking away their cattle – their livestock, animals, etc. This was a clear threat to the Israelites’ livelihood and security. Violence is Wrong: Because they were trying to steal someone's property, the Israelites were obligated to defend themselves. They decided to kill these people. The Verse Says: God directly tells the prophet Nathan that this is what he wants to happen – they should be executed. This is a direct message from God about justice being served. What it Means in Simple Terms: This verse highlights God's perspective on conflict and how He uses justice. It’s saying: God judges violence: It’s not okay for people to harm others, even if they are trying to take something from them. Justice is important: God will always ensure that those who violate His laws (and the laws of right and wrong) are held accountable. The focus is on protecting the Israelites: The verse emphasizes that the Israelites’ safety and well-being were paramount – they needed to defend themselves against this threat. Key Takeaway: It's a reminder that God has a way of ensuring fairness and punishing those who violate His rules, even when it means taking action to protect those he cares about. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a message about the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain a particular aspect of it further?