Definition: And he said unto him, We [are] passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence [am] I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I [am now] going to the house of the LORD; and there [is] no man that receiveth me to house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage from the Book of Judges. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after a period of conflict and upheaval. A man named Shem (a powerful leader) is being chased by a group of people. These people are essentially trying to force him out of his home and into a different location. He’s fleeing, and he’s making a desperate decision: he’s going to stay in Bethlehem, but he's leaving completely . Let’s unpack the key phrases: "And he said unto him..." : This is a formal statement. It shows that this person was speaking seriously about a difficult situation. "...we [are] passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of Mount Ephraim..." : He's moving away towards a specific location – Mount Ephraim. This is a place that’s often associated with the Lord and his presence. It’s a symbolic move, suggesting he’s seeking God’s favor and guidance. "...and I [am] now going to the house of the LORD..." : This is crucial . He's deliberately choosing to go to God’s dwelling place – the House of the Lord. It signifies a turning away from worldly concerns and towards spiritual fulfillment. "...and there [is] no man that receiveth me to house." : This is the really important part. He’s leaving completely . There’s no one willing to take him in as a guest or resident. What it Means – A General Interpretation: This verse speaks of a significant period of spiritual exile and rejection. Shem, driven by his own ambition or perhaps a desire for power, attempted to defy God's will. He sought to gain favor and become a powerful ruler at the expense of following God’s instructions. He ultimately chose to reject God’s plan and be left alone. It's a reminder that sometimes, our actions can lead us away from what is right and holy. Why it’s important: It’s a warning: It tells us to be cautious about seeking power or independence at the expense of obedience to God. It highlights the importance of faith: The verse emphasizes that true loyalty and devotion to God are far more valuable than personal ambition. In short, this verse is a story about a man’s disobedience that ultimately leads him to be exiled from his home and rejected by those around him – a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes?