Definition: And he said, Ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I more? and what [is] this [that] ye say unto me, What aileth thee?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Judges 18. It's a really strange and dramatic verse, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after a massive battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines had been making idols of themselves – they were worshipping them! God is furious because the Israelites have forgotten their relationship with Him and their faith. He’s essentially saying, “You’ve taken away my gods, and now what do you have?” What it Means - A Layered Explanation: “Ye have taken away my gods…” : This refers to God's divine presence – the God who created everything and rules over the world. He is the ultimate source of all things. “…which I made, and the priest…” : The “priest” is a specific role within the Jewish religious system – a high-ranking official who was responsible for performing rituals and sacrifices to honor the gods. It’s emphasizing that these idols were created by humans, not truly divine. "...and ye are gone away:” This is the key part. The Philistines had taken away the temples and the sacred objects associated with God. They've essentially abandoned their relationship with Him! “And what have I more?” : This is a rhetorical question, meaning it’s a way of asking a deeper, more profound question. It suggests that this abandonment is more than just having no gods – it’s a spiritual void, a lack of purpose and connection to the divine. “And what [is] this [that] ye say unto me?” : This is where it gets really strange. The speaker is asking, "What's wrong with you?" It's not a question about their actions; it’s a questioning of their spirit , their state of being. It implies they are lost and without faith. The Significance & Interpretation: Symbolic Battle: This verse isn’t about a literal battle between gods and humans. It’s a symbolic representation of a spiritual battle between humanity and God. Loss of Faith: The verse highlights the importance of maintaining a relationship with God. When we abandon that relationship, we become vulnerable to darkness and despair. Judgment & Consequences: It's a judgment on those who have rejected their connection with God. It suggests that this lack of faith leads to spiritual emptiness and potential disaster. In short, the verse is a powerful warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping false idols instead of true worship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the context of this story in more detail (like the events leading up to it)? Connect this verse to other biblical themes (like sin, judgment, or redemption)?