Definition: And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about a devastating battle. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel is Being Threatened: The verse tells us that Israel was facing a serious threat – they were being attacked by the Canaanites (people from the land of Canaan). They Fled and Were Forced to Retreat: The Canaanites, led by a powerful king, chased the Israelites away from their land. They fled and retreated to the area near Bethhoron, which is a strategic location. God’s Judgment Begins: Suddenly, God decided to punish those Canaanites. He sent down stones from heaven, like giant boulders, onto them. Massive Destruction: These stones rained down with incredible force! They hit the Canaanites and their army, causing a huge amount of death. More Deaths Than Killed with Swords: The most shocking part is that far more people died from the hailstones (the rocks) than the Israelites killed with swords. This shows God’s power over them. What it's saying about God: This verse illustrates a few key things about God: Divine Power: It demonstrates God's absolute power and ability to punish those who defy him. He isn't just sending bad luck; he's actively choosing to cause destruction. Justice: It speaks of God’s justice being served, as he is punishing the Canaanites for their wickedness and disobedience. God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events, even when they seem chaotic or overwhelming. Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of God's judgment on sin and rebellion against him. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of this event in the Bible? Explain what "stones from heaven" might symbolize? Or do you have any specific questions about the verse that you’d like answered?