Definition: And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which [were] of the children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Judges 18:16. It’s a really important and dramatic passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse describes a group of soldiers who were sent to protect Israel after a massive battle. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war…” : This refers to a specific group of soldiers – likely from the tribe of Dan. They were given special assignments and equipment for protection. “…which [were] of the children of Dan” : This is key! The name "Dan" means “those who are strong” in Hebrew. So, these men are the descendants of the Danites , a group known for their courage and strength. They were a significant tribe in ancient Israelite history. “…stood by the entering of the gate.” : This is where it gets powerful. The "entering of the gate" refers to the entrance to the city of Jerusalem, which was a major point of focus for the Israelites. They were positioned right at the threshold – ready to defend the city. So, what’s the big picture? This verse is a symbolic representation of God's protection and judgment over Israel. It shows that God chose these Danites to stand guard as a sign of His power and to protect the nation from evil. It also illustrates that God chooses his people to be strong and vigilant. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the future conflict between Israel and its enemies, particularly the Assyrian Empire. It’s a powerful image of divine protection and the need for vigilance. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges 18? Give you some context about the Danites or this story in general?