Definition: And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, [and] came in thither, [and] took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men [that were] appointed with weapons of war.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 18. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling verse from the Old Testament. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Group of Men: Five men are sent out to investigate a region (the “land”). They Find Something Strange: They discover a graven image – think of it like a very holy, carved idol or statue. It's a religious object, likely made of metal. They Take It: The five men decide to take this object with them. They Hide It: They hide the object in a specific place – a gate. The Priest is Guarded: A priest is positioned at the entrance of this gate, and he’s joined by a large group of soldiers (around 600). What's the Significance? This verse describes a very serious event: A rebellion against God. The five men – and the object they took – are seen as a deliberate attempt to challenge God's authority and power. It’s like an act of defiance, showing that people were willing to disobey God's commands. The Context - Why is this important? Judgment: This passage is part of a larger story about the judgment of Israel after a period of idolatry (worshiping other gods). God’s Justice: It highlights God's power and his willingness to punish those who disobey him. It shows that God will not tolerate evil and rebellion. In short, it’s telling us that when people break God's rules, they are facing serious consequences. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping idols instead of God. It's a reminder that we must always be mindful of our obedience to God’s laws and commandments. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps delve into its symbolism? For example, would you like to know: What is the meaning of "idolatry"? How does this relate to other stories in the Bible?