Definition: And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Judges 10:3. It’s a really important part of understanding the story of Israel during a very difficult time. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a leader named Jair who ruled over Israel for a long period and was known for his worrying and punishing. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 10”: This refers to a specific period of time – a long time ago. “And after him arose Jair…” This means that Jair became the leader after the previous leader, who was likely already dealing with problems for Israel. “…a Gileadite”: “Gileadite” is a tricky word. It means someone from the region of Gilead, which is a very important area in biblical history. Gileadites were a group of people known for being secretive and often involved in conflict. “…judged Israel twenty and two years.” This is the key part. Jair ruled for twenty and two years . That's a very long time – it’s about 26 years! During this time, he was constantly worrying about Israel and punishing them harshly. So, what does this tell us? This verse describes a period of intense anxiety and oppression for the Israelites under Jair's rule. It highlights that he wasn’t just a leader; he was a judge who focused on punishment and fear. It’s a story about a time when Israel faced significant hardship and pressure, and a leader’s actions had a very negative impact. Important Note: This is part of a larger story about the fall of Israel under Joshua's leadership and the subsequent period of exile. It’s a reminder that even good intentions can lead to terrible consequences if not carefully managed. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, or perhaps explore why this passage is significant? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story – what was happening in Israel at the time? What “Gilead” means and its importance? How this verse connects to other stories in the Bible?