Definition: And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 15:8. It's a really powerful and dramatic verse that describes a brutal attack. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Massive Attack: The verse tells us that God sent a massive army of enemies – the “Etam” people – to attack Israel. Ruthless Destruction: These enemies didn't just fight; they smote them with incredible force. They inflicted terrible wounds, including hitting the soldiers with swords and striking their bodies with great slaughter. Going to the Top of the Rock (Etam): The really shocking part is that after inflicting such damage, God instructed the army to go up to a specific location – the “top of the rock” – Etam. This suggests a deliberate strategy to show the enemy’s power and defeat. Putting it All Together - A Simple Explanation: Essentially, God sent a huge, devastating force to attack Israel. They inflicted immense suffering and damage on the people, and then, as a final act of punishment, they led their army up to a high point – the top of a mountain – to show them how powerful they were and to make it clear that they would be defeated. Key Takeaways: Divine Justice: This verse is about God's righteous judgment on those who disobeyed him and caused harm. Military Warfare: It’s a vivid example of the power of warfare in the Old Testament, emphasizing God’s control over battle. Symbolic Meaning: The “top of the rock” could be interpreted as a place of authority or spiritual significance – a high point where God's will was clearly established. Important Note: This passage is often seen as a dramatic and somewhat unsettling moment in the story of Israel’s history. It highlights God's power and his willingness to punish those who defy him. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse was significant at the time? Discuss the context surrounding this event in the Bible? Give you a different perspective on its meaning?