Definition: Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:1. It's a really important part of understanding how God dealt with Israel during a time of great trouble. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Essentially, this verse describes a gathering and focus of the Israelites – a very strategic move. Here’s a breakdown of each phrase: “Then all the children of Israel went out…” - This means that the people of Israel left their homes. It's a significant event, showing a shift in direction or perhaps a feeling of being overwhelmed by hardship. It was a big exodus from a difficult situation. “…and the congregation was gathered together as one man…” – This is key! "Congregation" means a group of people gathered for worship or a specific purpose. “As one man” suggests they were united in their faith and purpose, working towards something bigger than themselves. “From Dan even to Beersheba…” - This tells us where the gathering started – from the area around Dan (a large city) to Beersheba (a smaller town). These locations are significant because they represent a key part of Israel’s history and territory. “…with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.” – This is the most important part! “Gilead” refers to the region near Jerusalem. “The LORD in Mizpeh” means that God was establishing a place (Mizpeh) where He would dwell and be present with them. It’s a symbolic location, suggesting a central spot for worship and connection with God. So, putting it all together: This verse describes the Israelites gathering together from different locations – Dan and Beersheba – to go to a place of worship – Mizpeh – where God would dwell and be present with them. It’s a deliberate act showing that they were united in their devotion to God and seeking His guidance amidst a challenging time. Why is this important? This event is considered very significant because it highlights: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is actively involved in the lives of his people, guiding them even when they are dispersed. Unity and Purpose: It emphasizes the importance of being a united group under divine leadership. Strategic Location: The choice of Mizpeh suggests a strategic location for worship and perhaps a center of power or significance. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to connect it to a specific story or theme in the Bible? For example, are you interested in: The context of the time period (the Babylonian exile)? What does this verse suggest about Israel’s relationship with God?

Definition: And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:10. It's a really important and complex passage about God’s judgment against a group of people who were causing trouble in Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Situation: A Large Group is Involved: The verse describes a massive, organized effort – roughly 100 men out of every 100 people in the tribes of Israel. This is a huge number. Focus on Gibeah: Gibeah was a specific area of Israel where the boundary between the Jewish and Amalekite territories was very thin. It’s a strategically important region, and it became a focal point for conflict. The Goal: To Provide Food for the People: God is telling these people – likely a group of leaders or a faction – to collect food (victuals) for Israel. The goal isn't just to have some food; it’s to ensure the Israelites have enough to survive and continue their work. A Warning About Their Actions: The verse is filled with warning. It says they’ve been making “folly” – meaning they’ve been acting wrongly or causing problems. What's Happening in the Verse? “Ten Men of an Hundred…”: This means a group of 100 people, but each one is actually representing 100 men out of every hundred total people within the tribes of Israel. It’s a deliberate grouping to emphasize the scale of their problem. “…Throughout All the Tribes of Israel…”: This tells us they're moving across the entire country – all the different regions of Israel. “…And an Hundred of a Thousand…": This is even bigger – 100,000 people! Think of it as a massive, organized workforce. "...To Fetch Victual for the People...": This clarifies that their primary purpose is to provide food. “…That They May Do, When They Come to Gibeah of Benjamin…”: Gibeah was the key location. The verse says they're going specifically to this area – the area of Benjamin – because of a specific problem they’ve caused. What Does it Mean? The verse suggests that these people were actively involved in causing trouble and disruption within Israel. Their actions have created problems that need to be addressed, and God is sending them to actively collect food as a consequence. It's a judgment against their behavior, highlighting the seriousness of their offense. Overall Significance: This verse is a dramatic example of divine intervention – God using a huge group of people to address wrongdoing. It’s about accountability and consequences for actions that damage the peace and well-being of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period (the story of Samson)? Explore the potential meaning of "folly" in this verse?

Definition: So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:11. It’s a really important and dramatic statement about how God responded to a serious problem. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying that the Israelites were so united against the city of Israel – likely Jerusalem – that they became a single, powerful force. Let's unpack it a little more: "Judges 20:11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city..." This refers to a large group of Israelites, possibly including soldiers and people from different regions. "...knit together as one man." This is the key part. It's suggesting that these people were united in purpose and action. They weren’t just scattered; they were working towards a single goal – to attack the city. What was happening? The verse describes a situation where the Israelites, after some initial disagreements or divisions, became so focused on attacking the city that they became a unified group. This unity allowed them to overwhelm the defenders. Why is this significant? This story demonstrates a few important things: God's Sovereignty: It shows God actively intervening in human affairs and choosing to use his power to control events. The Power of Unity (and its potential dangers): It highlights that unity can be incredibly powerful, but it can also lead to unintended consequences if not carefully managed. In short, the verse is a story about how God turned a potentially divided group into a formidable force through their unified action. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail? Or perhaps answer any specific questions you might have about it?

Definition: And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:12. It’s a really important piece of history and speaks about a serious problem within the Israelites. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Situation: Israel was having trouble: The Israelites were experiencing internal conflict and division. They weren’t working together well. They sent messengers: A group of leaders from the tribe of Benjamin (a specific group of people within Israel) decided to investigate what was happening within their own community. They asked a question: They wanted to understand why things were going wrong. They weren’t just looking for gossip; they wanted to know the root cause of the problem. What “wickedness” does it mean? The word "wickedness" here is a bit complex, but essentially it refers to serious sin and wrongdoing. It wasn't just a minor infraction; it was something that was deeply troubling and causing problems. It suggests something that was morally wrong, potentially damaging to the community, and perhaps even threatening their way of life. The implication: The verse is telling us that there was a significant problem within the tribe of Benjamin – likely involving something that was causing them to act in ways that were harmful to themselves and to each other. It’s a warning about potential trouble brewing within their group. In short, it's a call for investigation and understanding because there was a serious issue that needed to be addressed. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of types of wickedness that might have been happening? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: Now therefore deliver [us] the men, the children of Belial, which [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 20:13. It's a really important and complex verse that speaks about a serious situation in ancient Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Situation: Belial & His Followers: The verse starts with the name “Belial,” who was a prominent, possibly troublesome, figure in the region of Gibeah. He was known for being a troublemaker and perhaps involved in some wrongdoing. The Men in Gibeah: It details that there were men living in Gibeah – a neighborhood near Jerusalem – who were under Belial’s control. The Command to Kill Them: The key part is the command to “deliver” these men. This means to kill them. Putting Them to Death: The purpose of this action is to remove evil from Israel. “Evil” in this context refers to something that’s causing trouble, wrongdoing, or potential harm. What it's Saying – A Bit More Detailed: This verse is a moment of intense judgment and action taken by the judges of Israel. Here’s what’s happening: A Problem with the Tribe of Benjamin: The verse specifically mentions “the children of Benjamin.” The tribe of Benjamin was historically known for being prone to conflict and sometimes, perhaps even, disobedience. Their Disobedience: The text says that "the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel." This means they were resisting or disobeying the leadership (the judges) of Israel. They were acting in ways that were causing trouble and potentially harming the people. The Goal: Justice & Protection: The command to kill these men is a response to this disobedience. It’s a way for the Israelites to punish those who are disrupting their peace and well-being. It's about protecting Israel from harm. Important Context – Why This Verse Matters: This passage is found in the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Judges. It comes before a significant event – the battles against the Amalekites. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion within the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's leadership and the consequences of resisting divine authority. In short, it describes a situation where a group of men in Gibeah were being controlled by a troublesome figure and the judges ordered their killing as a way to protect Israel from further trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible? Discuss what it might mean symbolically for the Israelites at the time?

Definition: But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:14. It’s a really important and tense moment in biblical history. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Israel is Facing a Problem: The Israelites were having trouble with the Philistines, who were raiding their villages and stealing food. This was creating fear and instability. Benjamin’s People Gather: A group of people from the tribe of Benjamin – a significant and important group in Israel’s history – decided to leave their homes and go out to battle against the Israelites. This is a big, strategic move. What's Happening? Gibeah: Gibeah was a walled area along the edge of the city of Jerusalem. It was a place where people lived with a barrier – a wall – that protected them from being attacked by the Philistines. Battle Against the Israelites: The Benjamin people were going to fight against the Israelites, who were the dominant power in the region at this time. In short, it’s a signal of conflict and rebellion. They're taking action to defend themselves against the Israelites, possibly because they feel threatened or want to push back against their neighbors. Why is this significant? This event happened during a period of intense political tension in Israel. It shows that Benjamin was becoming increasingly defiant and challenging traditional leadership. It’s often seen as a foreshadowing of later events in the Old Testament, including the story of Joshua. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period this verse came from? Or perhaps answer any specific questions you have about this passage?

Definition: And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:15. It’s a really important passage about a serious conflict and God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Battle is Happening: The verse describes a major battle between the Israelites and the Philistines (a group of people living in the region). A Large Group of People are Involved: “Twenty and six thousand men that drew sword” means there were many people involved, not just a small group. This was a significant number of warriors. They're in Gibeah: “Beside the inhabitants of Gibeah” tells us this battle happened in a specific area – Gibeah. Gibeah is a Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem that was historically considered a sacred boundary and a place where people were closely watched and protected. It’s important because it places these people in a vulnerable position. What’s the Significance? God's Punishment: The verse says God punishes those involved. The number of men, and their involvement in the battle, is seen as a sign of God’s displeasure with their actions. Chosen People are Targeted: “Seven hundred chosen men” – this is a really striking detail. It suggests that these weren't just any people; they were selected or chosen for a specific purpose and were placed in a position of risk. It implies they were potentially involved in a significant, possibly dangerous, act. Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of a tense situation where God is actively intervening to punish those who are acting erratically or recklessly. It’s a message about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of being careful and righteous. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what Gibeah was? Discuss the symbolism behind the number "twenty and six thousand"?

Definition: Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 20:16. It’s a really interesting and dramatic description of a group of people being given a special task! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: These seven hundred people were chosen to be the only defenders of a specific place – likely a town or village – against a massive, determined attack. They were given a very unique and powerful advantage. Let’s unpack the details: “Among all this people” : This tells us that these weren't just a small group; they were a large number of people. “[There were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded” : This is key! “Left-handed” means they were positioned to be the only ones able to throw stones at a distance. It’s a strategic positioning – they were designed to be the best defenders. “Every one could sling stones at an hair breadth” : This is where it gets really striking. "Hair breadth" means a very, very small distance – almost impossible to hit. It's like saying they could throw stones that would barely graze someone’s head! “Not miss” : This is the most important part. They were completely confident in their ability to throw their stones without missing. They weren’t worried about accuracy; they were driven by a powerful sense of purpose and determination. What's the Significance? This story highlights several things: Divine Favor: It shows that God chose these people specifically for this task, recognizing their strength and ability. Preparedness & Courage: The detail emphasizes how well-prepared they were – they were completely focused on their mission. A Powerful Defense: This wasn't just about a few people; it was a whole group of people who were uniquely positioned to withstand a significant threat. In short, the verse describes a group of carefully selected and extremely skilled defenders, armed with a remarkable advantage – the ability to throw stones so accurately they couldn’t miss. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the meaning behind this specific verse in more detail?

Definition: And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:17. It’s a really significant and dramatic passage about a massive military force. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was under attack: The Israelites were being harassed by the Philistines, who were a fierce people. A huge army arrived: A massive group of around 400,000 men from Israel – including soldiers, warriors, and all sorts of combatants – came to confront the Philistines. They were preparing for war: They were clearly ready to fight. What it’s saying is: These people weren't just a regular army; they were ready to wage war . The word “drawn sword” means they were prepared to attack and fight fiercely. Key Takeaway: This verse highlights that the Israelites were in a state of intense military preparedness, actively preparing for a battle. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after a period where the Philistines had been harassing Israel. It shows they were taking the threat seriously and were committed to defending themselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some background on the story of Judges 20? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?

Definition: And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 20:18. It’s a really important passage about leadership and God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was in trouble: The Israelites were facing a major crisis – they had been disobeying God's commands for a long time, and now they were in a position of great danger. They sought guidance: They were desperate for help and knew they needed to make a crucial decision about how to fight. God intervened: God decided to take the lead. He sent messengers (the children of Israel) to ask him, “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” This was a really significant question because Benjamin was a group of people in the Israelites’ history who were considered rebellious. God's plan: God then told them, “Judah [ Judah ] shall go up first.” Putting it together – What does this mean? It means that God, through his messengers, saw that Judah was the best choice to lead the battle against the children of Benjamin. He chose him because he believed he would be the most responsible and capable of leading the Israelites to victory. It wasn’t about who wanted to go up; it was about who God thought was best suited for the task. Key Takeaways: God's Sovereignty: This verse shows that God is in control and has a plan, even when things seem chaotic. He doesn’t just let things happen randomly. Leadership Matters: It highlights the importance of leadership – God entrusted this crucial decision to a specific person. Faith & Obedience: It emphasizes the need for faith and obedience to God's will, even when it seems difficult or uncertain. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story about Israel’s history and challenges. It sets the stage for the later events in Judges 20. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "Judah" represents? Discuss why this verse is significant in biblical history?