Definition: [And] when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that [were] upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 15:14. It’s a really dramatic passage about a powerful, righteous man named Joshua being attacked. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joshua was leading Israel into Canaan (a new land) when a group of Philistine warriors – likely led by a ruthless man named Jafreel – came after him and started attacking him. They were determined to stop him from reaching his destination. What Happened Next: The Attack Begins: The Philistines shouted angrily at Joshua, and the Spirit of God (God’s power) came rushing to help him! The Binding: Suddenly, the Philistine warriors began to bind Joshua’s arms and hands with ropes. These ropes were strong enough to burn them – like turning them into something unusable. Turning into Flax: The really intense part is that the ropes became flax . Flax is a type of plant used for making fabric, and it's incredibly flammable. It was burned to ash! So, what does this mean? This verse describes a powerful display of God’s judgment against Joshua. It’s not just about him being physically attacked; it’s a symbolic representation of God using His power to destroy the evil and wickedness of the Philistines. Key Takeaways: God's Justice: This verse shows that God is very active in protecting His people and punishing those who oppose them. Divine Power: It highlights how God’s power can be incredibly destructive when used for righteous purposes. Symbolic Representation: The flax burning symbolizes the removal of evil and the destruction of wickedness. In short, it's a vivid image of God using His might to completely bind and destroy those who oppose Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Provide context about Joshua’s situation? Discuss the significance of the flax imagery in more detail?