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?