Definition: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 23:10. It's a pretty powerful and symbolic passage about God's victory over the Philistines. Here's a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: God was victorious in a major battle against the Philistine people. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening piece by piece: “He arose…” : This suggests that God is the one doing the fighting – He’s taking action and leading the way. “…and smote the Philistines…” : "Smote" means to strike or defeat. God was actively attacking and defeating the Philistine army. It wasn't a gentle, polite battle; it was a forceful one. “until his hand was weary…” : This is a crucial detail. It doesn’t mean God was exhausted physically. Instead, it means He was working diligently and patiently. He was putting effort into the fight. “…and his hand clave unto the sword…” : "Clave" means to strike or penetrate. God's hand (or weapon) was striking into the Philistine soldiers’ weapons – their swords! This shows He was actively disrupting and weakening their defenses. “and the LORD wrought a great victory that day…” : This is where it gets really significant. The Lord, God, orchestrated this victory. It wasn't just a random chance; it was a deliberate plan. “…and the people returned after him only to spoil.” : The Philistines returned , but they were defeated and lost their power. The word "spoiled" means to ruin or destroy. It suggests that God’s victory caused the Philistines to lose their strength and ability to fight. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of God as the ultimate victor. He doesn't just defeat the enemies; He creates a significant victory – a triumph for good over evil. It emphasizes that God is in control, powerful, and ultimately victorious. It’s often interpreted as a promise of future deliverance and restoration. God is working to restore what has been lost and to protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible?