Definition: Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:31. It's a pretty significant passage about God’s judgment and how He chooses to handle things. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting up a system where if someone comes to his house (which represents his sanctuary or home) with something – anything – when he returns from visiting the children of Ammon, it will be offered as a burnt offering to Him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then it shall be…” : This is a command from God. He's making a specific plan. “…that whatever comes forth of my house…” : This refers to his home, his dwelling place, and everything within it – his family, his possessions, his people. It’s essentially everything he owns and cares about. "...to meet me..." : This is the key part. He’s expecting something that comes from his house to encounter him. It's a meeting, an encounter. "...when I return in peace from the children of Ammon…” : This tells us who he’s expecting. The children of Ammon are a group of people who were causing trouble and disrupting peace in Israel. They were essentially "coming forth" – coming to his house. He’s returning home after visiting them, and it's about him receiving their offering. "...shall surely be the LORD’S…” : This is a direct statement of God's will. It means that whatever comes forth will definitely be recognized as God's presence. "...and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” : This is the action he’s taking. He’s going to present something – an animal or even a person – as a sacrifice to Him. A "burnt offering" is a ritualistic sacrifice, meaning it was made to honor God and demonstrate devotion. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to God's justice and his control over events. It’s a reminder that He is always watching and intervening in the world. It suggests: God is a watchful protector: He isn’t just passively observing; he’s actively managing situations. He’ll punish those who disrupt peace: The children of Ammon's actions were a disruption, and God will respond with judgment. It's about honoring Him: By offering this as a burnt offering, the people are acknowledging God's sovereignty and recognizing His power in the world. In essence, it’s a promise that God will not tolerate wrongdoing and will have a way to address it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about what this verse might mean in the context of the story of Judges 11? Give an example of how this principle is used today (perhaps in a different historical situation)?