Definition: And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 18:11. It's a really important part of understanding how God dealt with a terrible crisis in ancient Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Huge Problem: The verse tells us that a group of people, likely from the tribe of Danites (a significant group in Israel's history), were fleeing a very dangerous situation. They were leaving Zorah and Eshtaol – two locations described as being incredibly chaotic and filled with trouble – and they needed to escape quickly. Six Hundred Men: They weren’t just a few people; there were six hundred men! This was a significant number of warriors, suggesting a serious threat. Armed for War: The crucial part is that these six hundred men were appointed with weapons of war – swords, spears, bows and arrows - to go out into the wilderness and fight against a powerful enemy. What’s Happening in Context? This verse comes after a really dramatic event: God had already sent a great flood to destroy all life on Earth. The Danites were fleeing this flood, and this verse describes them leaving that area and embarking on a dangerous journey. It's essentially a response to a crisis they were facing – a desperate escape from overwhelming chaos. Overall Meaning: This passage shows God’s power and His willingness to intervene when things are truly bad. It highlights that He is active in protecting his people, even when they are experiencing hardship. It signifies a shift towards a more active role of God in the world. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the context of Zorah and Eshtaol. Explain what “weapons of war” might signify in ancient times. Connect it to broader themes of God’s judgment and protection?