Definition: And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 19:13. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a devastating event. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: A Wicked Man is Involved: The verse tells us that a powerful and wicked man named “he” was leading a group of people to commit horrific acts. They're Seeking Shelter: He instructs his servant to go and stay with the people in a specific area – Gibeah (a neighborhood known for its healers and priests) or Ramah (a fortified settlement). “To Lodge All Night” - A Cruel Command: The key part is “to lodge all night.” This means they were being forced to stay there, often without food, water, or safety. It’s a brutal and unsettling command. What it Means – Layers of Meaning: The Wicked Leader: This man is the central focus. He's clearly involved in something very wrong and causing immense suffering. The Victims – The People of Gibeah/Ramah: These are the people who were being targeted by this man’s actions. They were likely healers, priests, or someone connected to the sacred and vulnerable aspects of their community. Their suffering is the primary point of focus in this verse. A Warning About Evil: This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of wickedness. It suggests that those who abuse authority and inflict harm can have devastating results. Important Context (Briefly): Judges 19 describes a period of intense violence and chaos after this event. The people of Gibeah and Ramah were devastated, and the story highlights how powerful figures can cause great suffering. In short, this verse is a stark reminder that evil leaders can inflict immense pain and hardship on innocent people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it might symbolize (e.g., a general warning about resisting evil)?