Definition: And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel’s father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 19:8. It's a really unsettling story with a lot of symbolism. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Giant Spider: The text describes a giant spider – incredibly large and powerful – that was terrorizing a village. The Spider’s Actions: The spider, after being angered by the villagers' defiance, killed the father and his son. It then trapped them in a huge, precarious dam (a structure built to hold back water). The Spider’s Escape: The spider eventually escaped its prison, and it was found to be a giant, monstrous creature – a terrifying embodiment of evil. Now, let's unpack the verses: “And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart:” This tells us the spider wasn’t just passively existing; it actively chose to leave. It was actively working towards its goal. “And the damsel’s father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee.” This is a plea from the father to the narrator – a storyteller – to offer comfort and support. He’s asking for understanding in a desperate situation. “And they tarried until afternoon:” This emphasizes that the spider didn't immediately attack. It took time to observe and plan its actions. “And they did eat both of them.” This is the shocking part. The father and son were eaten by the spider! This suggests a truly horrific and unnatural event, driven by the spider’s rage and malice. The Significance & Symbolism: This passage isn't just about a single act of violence; it's packed with symbolism: The Spider as Evil: The spider represents evil, wickedness, and chaos. It’s actively working against good and bringing destruction. The Dam as a Prison: The dam symbolizes the Israelites' own situation – a precarious and vulnerable state that needs to be protected from evil. The Father and Son’s Fate: The story highlights the devastating consequences of defying God and succumbing to evil. Their demise is a direct result of their rebellion. Overall Meaning: This passage is a stark warning about the dangers of resisting God's authority and allowing evil to flourish. It emphasizes that we must be vigilant against wickedness and remain faithful to God, lest we face similar consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this story to a broader theme (like the struggle between good and evil)?