Definition: And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 17:17. It’s a fascinating snapshot of a time in ancient Israel’s history! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us about a group of soldiers who were sent to help defend a city against a large enemy force. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And of Benjamin…” : This refers to Benjamin, one of the sons of Jacob (who was also known as Israel). It’s important to note that Benjamin was not the son of Joseph, who was the favorite son of Jacob. “…Eliada a mighty man of valour…” : This is the key part. “Eliada” is a Hebrew name meaning "hero" or “mighty warrior.” The verse describes him as a very brave and skilled soldier. "...and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand." : This is where it gets really interesting. Eliada was leading a huge army – around 200,000 soldiers! They were equipped with bows (a common weapon of the time) and shields. It's a massive force ready to fight. So, what’s the significance? This verse paints a picture of a significant military victory for Israel in ancient times. It shows that they had a substantial army prepared to defend their land against potential threats. Important Note: This story is found in the Old Testament and is part of a larger narrative about the history of Israel during the time of King David. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when it happened, why it's important)? Provide more details about the army’s equipment or strategy?