Definition: And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 14:15. It's a really important verse in the Bible that speaks about a significant battle! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a very old story about a king and a powerful angel. It starts with King Herbold, who was trying to trick God into giving him a son. He asked an angel, Gabriel, to help him, and the angel agreed. What Happened Next: The Angel’s Mission: The angel Gabriel went to a cave and found a young man named Herbold. He told Herbold that he was going to give him a great gift – a son. A Battle Begins: Herbold, believing the angel was lying, fought against the angel. During this fight, the angel immediately turned against Herbold and his followers. The Attack: The angel then attacked Herbold's followers with great force! They were driven away, and they were pursued relentlessly. What Does “Hobah” Mean? “Hobah” is a tricky word. It’s usually translated as “left hand of Damascus,” but it has a deeper meaning in the context of the Bible. Damascus: This was a city in ancient Syria, and it’s known for being a powerful and wealthy kingdom. The Kingdom of Israel: The area around Damascus was part of the Kingdom of Israel. “Left Hand” – A Symbolic Action: The word “left hand” isn't just about physical location. It represents an action or movement . It signifies that the angel deliberately chose to attack Herbold’s followers, causing them harm and distress. So, in short: The angel Gabriel sent his forces to attack Herbold’s followers, specifically targeting those who were part of his army. Why is this a significant verse? This story shows that God can intervene and actively participate in the world. It highlights His power and judgment, and it demonstrates that even powerful beings like angels are subject to God's will. It also sets up a key event in the Old Testament – the prophecy about Jesus, who would ultimately defeat the enemy of Israel! --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible story or concept?