Definition: And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:33. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a battle and its consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Aroer is the Target: The verse describes a significant military campaign happening near Aroer, a city in ancient Syria (modern-day Turkey). The Attackers: A powerful army – led by a man named “He” – attacked Aroer and its surrounding areas. Massive Destruction: They destroyed many cities and settlements along the way. It's described as a "very great slaughter." This suggests a brutal and devastating conflict. The Result: Ammon and Israel Unite: This victory led to a significant shift in power. The Israelites (the people of Israel) were subdued and controlled, and the attackers (the Assyrians) forced the people of Ammon (a neighboring group) into submission. Let's unpack it further: “He smote them…” : This is a powerful image – someone decisively defeated. “…from Aroer…” : The battle was centered around Aroer. It wasn’t just any city; it was a key strategic location. “…even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards…” : This is where it gets really significant. “Minnith” is a place mentioned in the Bible that was a large agricultural area – think vast fields and vineyards. The Assyrians systematically destroyed many settlements and farms along this route. It’s like they completely took over a huge portion of farmland. "...with a very great slaughter." : This reinforces the violence and devastation of the battle. It wasn't just a skirmish; it was a full-scale assault with significant loss of life. The Significance: This verse tells us about a time of intense conflict between the Israelites and a powerful army from Syria. It highlights: Divine Justice: The Assyrians were acting in a way that seemed to be a punishment – they were destroying a region and its people. The Rise of Israel: While it’s still a battle, it ultimately led to the Israelites being brought under control and establishing their dominion over the land. In short, this verse describes a major military victory for the Assyrians that resulted in widespread destruction and the eventual submission of Ammon. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible? Give you another example of a verse with a similar theme?