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"?