Definition: And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 4:10. It’s a really impactful passage about a significant battle and its consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Battle Happened: The verse tells us that the Philistines, who were invading Israel, fought with the Israelites. Israel Was Hurt: This fight was very intense and caused a lot of damage to the Israelites. They Fled Away: After the battle, everyone scattered and ran away in fear. A Huge Loss: The verse states that thirty thousand footmen (soldiers) died as a result of this fighting. That’s a huge number! What it Means – A Bit Deeper: This passage isn't just about a physical battle; it's a powerful symbol of a spiritual defeat for Israel. Here’s what it suggests: God’s Judgment: The verse points to God as the one who is punishing Israel. It’s saying that God is angry and wants to show His power through this suffering. Loss of Faith & Security: The massive loss of soldiers represents a loss of faith, security, and hope for the Israelites. They were shaken and frightened, and it showed they weren't as strong or confident as before. A Turning Point: It’s often interpreted as a turning point in Israel’s history. The defeat shows that God is not giving up on His people, even when things look bleak. Important Note: The number of footmen lost was incredibly significant – it's one of the largest losses in Israel’s history! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you a more detailed explanation of the historical context (e.g., why this happened)? Talk about what this passage might be teaching us about faith and resilience?