Definition: And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 1:34. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about the Amorites and their actions. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Dan is being forced into the mountains. The verse tells us that the Amorites, who were a group of people living nearby to the Israelites, were actively pushing the children of Dan (a specific tribe of Israelite soldiers) into the hills. They wouldn't let them come down to the valley. This is the key part. They weren’t allowing the children to go down to the lowlands or areas where they could be safely returned to their families. What it Means Figuratively (and Potentially Symbolically): This verse isn't just about physical force; it carries a powerful message about: Destruction and Isolation: The Amorites were deliberately trying to isolate and trap the Dan children, preventing them from returning home. It suggests they weren’t simply moving them; they were actively trying to keep them away. Oppression and Control: It speaks to a deeper issue of oppression – the Amorites were exerting their power and controlling the people within their territory. A Warning About Uncontrolled Power: The verse serves as a warning about the dangers when powerful groups try to control and isolate others, rather than allowing them to thrive and return home. Historical Context (Important!) This story is found in Judges 1:34, which describes a period of intense conflict between the Israelites and the Amorites. It’s believed this verse happened after the Amorites had taken over some of the land surrounding Dan and its people. In short, it's a vivid description of the Amorites actively preventing the Dan children from returning home – a clear indication of a hostile and controlling situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in biblical history? Provide some context about the Amorites themselves?