Definition: But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Judges 1:6. It’s a really dramatic and impactful verse that tells us about a significant event in the story of Israel’s history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Man is Captured: The verse describes a man named Adonibezek being captured by the Israelites. They Pursued Him: The Israelites, feeling angry and determined to get him, relentlessly pursued him. They Cut Off His Thumbs & Toes: This is the key part. They brutally cut off Adonibezek's thumbs and toes! What it Means – A Symbolic Explanation: This verse isn’t just about a physical act; it’s a powerful symbolic representation of a much larger event: a betrayal and a devastating loss of leadership. Here's how we can understand it: Adonibezek was the Leader: In ancient Israel, the leader was considered the most important person – often the king or high priest. The Israelites Betrayed Him: The verse implies that the Israelites betrayed Adonibezek by pursuing him. This betrayal wasn't just a simple disagreement; it meant they were actively trying to harm and destroy him. Loss of Power & Leadership: Cutting off his thumbs and toes symbolizes the loss of his power, authority, and perhaps even his life. It represents a significant wound – a physical and spiritual one. Context is Important: This verse appears in the Book of Judges. The story continues with the Israelites’ failure to obey God's commands, leading to their defeat by the Canaanites. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of losing faith and leadership. In short, it tells us that Adonibezek was brutally punished for his betrayal, and this act symbolized a significant loss of power and direction for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Judges? Connect this passage to a broader theme in the Bible (like disobedience or leadership)?