Definition: While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that [be] along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover [them] within that time?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:26. It's a really important part of understanding a challenging situation in ancient Israel’s history. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: A Nation is Being Threatened: The verse describes a period where a group of people – the Heshbonites and Arnonites – were being harassed and attacked by a neighboring tribe, the Benjamites. They Were Living in a Protected Area: These tribes were living in a specific area – along the coastlines of Arnon, which is a region bordering Israel. Think of it like a buffer zone. Time Passed, But They Didn't Recover: The key part is that despite being in this protected area for a long time, these tribes didn’t manage to escape the attacks. They didn't recover or be saved within that timeframe. What It Means – A Bit More Layers: This verse isn’t just about geography; it speaks to a deeper issue of failure to respond to God’s warning. Here’s what it suggests: God’s Warning: The Bible tells us that God had warned the Israelites (and those in the area) before this situation started, saying "You must not be like this." This was a warning about the Benjamites' behavior. Ignoring the Warning: The verse highlights that they didn’t listen to that warning. They continued their actions despite God's guidance. It suggests a lack of obedience or awareness of what was happening. A Pattern of Disobedience: This isn’t just about one incident; it’s a pattern. They were living in a vulnerable position, and they failed to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the threat. In short, this verse is a reminder that even when we're surrounded by danger, we must actively listen to God's guidance and not ignore his warnings. Important Context: Judges 11:26 comes after a lengthy narrative of conflict with the Benjamites. It’s a pivotal moment where God is showing His displeasure with their actions. It emphasizes that obedience is crucial for avoiding disaster. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why was the warning about the Benjamites so important in the first place? What does it tell us about the Israelites' relationship with God?