Definition: And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her [up] upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 19:28. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a woman being held captive and brutally treated. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: A Woman is Held Captive: The verse tells us that a woman, named “Sheba,” was taken captive by a man named “Zelaph.” She was imprisoned and kept in a place. He Tells Her to Leave: The man, Zelaph, instructs Sheba to leave. He says, "Up, and let us be going." No One Answers: This is the crucial part. Instead of anyone responding to his call, nothing happened. No one even bothered to move or look at him. What Happened Next? The Man Takes Her on an Ass: Zelaph then takes Sheba upon an ass – a donkey – and carries her away. He Raises Him Up: He lifts her up onto his back, essentially making her a mount. He Goes to His Place: Finally, he leads her to a specific location, where he places her in a position of confinement. What Does It Mean? This is a very disturbing scene because it describes a horrific act of violence and control. It suggests: Brutality & Abuse: The most obvious interpretation is that the man was severely abusing Sheba. He was forcing her to be carried on an ass, highlighting his power over her. Lack of Response: The silence is unsettling because it speaks to a lack of resistance or any attempt at help from those around her. It's like she was completely alone and powerless. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this verse are debated among biblical scholars. Some see it as a symbolic representation of the oppression experienced by women in ancient Israel, while others interpret it as a historical account of a specific event – though it’s difficult to confirm its precise details without further research. In short: This verse paints a picture of a woman being held captive and subjected to extreme violence, with no one responding to her pleas for help. It's a stark reminder of the potential for abuse and oppression in the past. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger narrative of Judges 19?