Definition: And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, [and] to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 19:3. It's a really dramatic story about a woman who was accused of being involved in a serious crime and then fled with her husband. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: The Accusation: A man, named Herod , was accused of having a relationship with a woman named Dora . This accusation was made by a group of people who were angry about the woman's past. The Flight: Herod fled with his wife and her husband, Jonas , to stay with her father, Balaam’s father, in a remote area. The Reunion & Celebration: Balaam’s father welcomed them. When the father of the damsel saw them, he was overjoyed – it was like seeing a long-lost friend return! He celebrated their reunion with a joyful expression. Let's unpack it in simpler terms: “And her husband arose, and went after her…” : This means Herod’s husband, who had left with his wife, started traveling to meet her again. “…to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again…” : He was trying to reach out to her and hopefully reunite with her. He wanted to befriend her. “Having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house…” : This describes the situation – he had someone helping him along the way. He brought him into his home. “…and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.” : The father of the woman, who was being helped by Herod, recognized him and was very happy to see him again. It’s a moment of joy and relief for everyone involved. Overall Meaning: This passage tells us about a situation where someone (Herod) betrayed another person (the woman) and then tried to make amends. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the possibility of redemption. It shows that even after wrongdoing, there can be hope for reunion and happiness. Important Note: This passage is from an ancient text – the Bible – and it’s often interpreted in a way that emphasizes the severity of the situation. It’s important to remember this context when understanding the story. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the story in more detail (e.g., why the father was so happy)? Compare it to another Bible passage?

Definition: And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak [your minds].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 19:30. It’s a really powerful and disturbing passage about deception and betrayal. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive deception that happened between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The key phrase is “there was no such deed done nor seen from the day…” – meaning it’s an absolute, unbroken lie. It’s like a huge, persistent story that has gone on for a very long time. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 19:30” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “And it was so, that all that saw it said…” : This part emphasizes the observation . Everyone who witnessed this deception – the people of Israel – all of them recognized it as false. This isn’t just a rumor or speculation; they all saw it for a very long time. “There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day…” : This is the core of the message. It's saying this deception started long ago , way back when the Israelites were in Egypt, and it still continues to exist! It’s a continuous story that stretches back nearly 2000 years. “Consider of it, take advice, and speak [your minds]” : This is the crucial part – it's urging us to act on what we’ve seen. It's telling us to: “Consider of it”: Think carefully about what you’ve witnessed. Don’t just dismiss it or ignore it. “Take advice”: Don’t blindly believe the lie. Seek counsel from wise and trustworthy sources. “Speak [your minds]” : Don't be silent! Speak up against this deception, even if it’s difficult. What does this mean practically? This verse is a warning to us about: Critical Thinking: We need to be skeptical and question things that seem unbelievable or too good to be true. Trusting Our Instincts: Don't blindly accept what we hear; investigate and verify information before making assumptions. Standing Up for Truth: It calls on us to confront deception, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. In essence, the verse is a reminder that lies can persist for a very long time, and we have a responsibility to expose them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or theme (like trust, honesty, or justice)? Discuss the historical context of the story?