Definition: And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 18:4. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage, and it's often misinterpreted! Here’s the explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse is about a powerful and somewhat secretive figure who is overseeing the rebuilding of a city – specifically, a large city that was destroyed by a massive storm. The speaker (who we don’t know exactly, but is described as “he”) is essentially saying, "I'm in charge, and I’m handling things this way." Let’s unpack it: “And he said unto them…” : This sets up a conversation. The speaker is explaining something to a group of people. “…Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me…” : This is the key part. "Micah" was a very important leader in ancient Israel, known for his strict rules and regulations. “Dealeth” means "deals" or "manages." So, this figure is managing things for someone named Micah. “…and hath hired me…” : This tells us that the speaker is employed by Micah, which suggests a significant amount of power and responsibility. What it’s really about: The verse points to a secret system – a complex arrangement or protocol. It's not just a simple "I'm in charge" statement. It implies: A hidden authority: There's someone who is controlling the rebuilding process, and they're not revealing their methods. A complex structure: The phrase “Thus and thus” suggests a system with many steps and rules, all overseen by this figure. Perhaps a divine plan: It could be hinting at a larger purpose or plan God has for this city. Important Note: It's important to remember that this verse doesn't tell us who the speaker is. It’s more about the role and the nature of their leadership. In short, it describes a powerful, secretive leader overseeing the rebuilding of a city with complex rules. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges 18? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore the possible interpretations of the verse (e.g., its connection to prophecies)?