Definition: And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, [were] by themselves in the field.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 10:8. It's a really important and dramatic passage about a battle happening in ancient Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Ammon People are Disrupting the Battle: A group of Ammonites (an ancient people from the region) were causing trouble. They came out of the woods and started disrupting the main army – the Syrian, Zobi, Rehob, Ishtob, and Maacah armies – as they approached a specific area. Think of it like a small group of troublemakers delaying the main battle. The Syrians are Staying Back: The Syrian army, led by King Ahab, stayed put in the field. They didn’t engage with the Ammonites directly. Putting It All Together – A Quick Summary: The verse describes a strategic maneuver. The Ammonites were actively trying to hinder the Syrian army from advancing. Because they were causing trouble, the Syrians chose to stay back and avoid direct confrontation. What it’s about & Significance: Strategic Delay: This isn't just a minor skirmish. It was deliberately designed to delay the main battle and give the Syrians time to prepare. Ablation of Power: It suggests Ahab (King of Israel) wasn’t fully focused on winning the war. He was prioritizing maintaining control over his kingdom, even at the expense of military victory. Important Note: This verse is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It's generally understood to be a strategic decision made by King Ahab to maintain his power and avoid a major conflict. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, like its historical context or potential interpretations? For example, would you like to know: More about the Ammonites? Why Ahab might have made this decision?