Definition: And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 15:20: “And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.” Basically, it means: God sent a judge to oversee Israel for a long period. Here's a more detailed explanation: “He judged” : This is a key word. It suggests that the judge was actively involved in overseeing events and making decisions. “Israel” : This refers to the Israelites, who were a group of people living in the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel). “in the days of the Philistines” : This is where it gets a little more nuanced. The Philistines were a tribe that lived near the coast of modern-day Israel and were known for their seafaring skills. They were a group of people who eventually became a significant force in the region. "The days of" means a period of time, spanning many years. So, this phrase indicates that the judge was overseeing Israel during a long stretch – likely 20 years or more. “twenty years” : This is the crucial part! It signifies a significant and prolonged period of responsibility and action by the judge. What does this tell us about the time? This verse suggests that God appointed a leader to watch over Israel for a considerable length of time. It implies that this leadership was important and perhaps involved some challenges or difficulties for the Israelites during that time. In essence, it’s a statement about divine judgment and long-term responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Connect this verse to broader themes in biblical history (like the rise and fall of kingdoms)?