Definition: And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 1:24. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage that speaks to a pivotal moment in history. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: The verse tells us about a group of spies sent by Israel to investigate the city of Canaan (which was then part of the Palestinian region). They were tasked with finding out if it was a safe place for them to settle and build a new city. What happened next? They encountered a man who came forward and asked, "Show us the entrance into the city!" This is key - they weren’t just asking for information; they wanted access . The Meaning – It's About a Promise: The most important part of this verse is the phrase “and we will shew thee mercy.” This isn't about genuine kindness. It’s a promise made by God to the Israelites. God had previously promised to protect them and give them a place to live, and this verse represents a specific promise being fulfilled. Here's how it unfolds: The Promise: God told the Israelites that He would protect them and grant them a place to dwell. The Request: The spies asked for access to the city, essentially seeking permission to enter. God’s Response (Implied): Because of this promise, God promised to show mercy – to be merciful to the people who entered. In a nutshell: This verse is about God’s commitment to protect the Israelites and offering them a chance to settle in a new place, all because they sought access to the city. It's a moment of divine favor and reassurance. Important Note: The exact context of this verse isn’t fully known, but it’s generally understood as a sign that God was willing to allow the Israelites to enter Canaan, despite the initial warning from surrounding tribes. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this particular verse in more detail?