Definition: And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:35. It’s a really powerful and dramatic moment in biblical history. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Story: A Woman is Involved: The verse tells us about a woman named “Sheba” who was causing trouble for the judges (leaders of Israel). She was being disruptive and defiant. He Sees Her and Reacts: A judge, named “he,” witnessed this woman’s behavior. He saw her act in a way that made him feel deeply troubled and upset. He Rents His Clothes: This is the key part. He renews his clothes . This means he completely abandoned his normal attire – his robe, his status, everything that marked him as a leader – to express his distress. It’s like saying, “I’m done with this. I can’t handle it anymore.” He Says "Alas, my daughter!" : This is a lament, a sorrowful expression of pain and regret. He's acknowledging that she has caused him significant suffering and distress. He States She is Disturbing Him: “Thou hast brought me very low” - He feels like he’s been wronged or burdened by her actions. He Confesses His Limitation: "and I cannot go back." – This is the most important part. He acknowledges that he can't undo what she has done, and he feels powerless to stop her behavior. What it Means - A Broad Interpretation: This verse is a moment of profound repentance and acknowledgement of a significant transgression. It’s a story about: Feeling Overwhelmed: The judge feels utterly defeated by the woman's actions. Recognition of Wrongdoing: He understands that she is actively causing him distress and has broken his peace. Acceptance of His Limits: He recognizes that he can’t control or fix the situation – he’s at a point where he has to accept that she is the one who needs to be addressed. It's a Powerful Moment in Biblical History: This verse is often seen as a pivotal moment where the judge recognizes the seriousness of the situation and begins to turn away from his own distress. It sets the stage for further action – perhaps involving repentance, seeking forgiveness, or ultimately dealing with her consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss its significance within the context of biblical themes (like repentance and justice)?