Definition: And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 15:18. It's a really powerful and emotional piece of text! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Situation: “And he was sore athirst…” – This describes a man who is incredibly thirsty. The word “sore” emphasizes the intense feeling of thirst. Think of it like you feel really, really thirsty when you’re dehydrated. “…and called on the LORD…” – He's turning to God for help. He's recognizing that he needs divine intervention. “And said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?” – This is where it gets really significant. He’s expressing a desperate plea: “Lord, please, give me help! You've given this incredible deliverance (meaning rescue or protection) to my servant. But now, because I’m dying from thirst, I will die in your hand.” Putting it All Together – What’s the Meaning? This verse tells us that a man is so thirsty he’s willing to risk his life entirely for God's help. He understands that this deliverance (the rescue) is coming into his hands. He’s essentially offering himself as a sacrifice, recognizing that he’s completely dependent on God's mercy and protection. Key Interpretations & Context: The Israelites in Exile: This passage comes from the time when the Israelites were exiled in Babylon. They were facing a desperate situation – they were starving and without any help from their own gods. God’s Protection: The verse is a demonstration of God's unwavering care for his people, even during times of hardship. It highlights God’s willingness to intervene when it matters most. A Test of Faith: It can be seen as a test of faith – a man willing to risk his life in favor of divine intervention. In short, this verse is a moving expression of desperation and unwavering trust in God. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context more fully? Discuss the symbolism behind the thirst? Compare it to other stories about divine intervention?