Definition: And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:20. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened during a significant conflict in ancient Israel. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse tells us that after a battle with Benjamin (a member of the tribe of Benjamin, who were considered rebellious), the Israelites started preparing for a military confrontation against them again. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 20:20” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on – it’s a passage from the Book of Judges. “And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin…” : This means that the Israelites, feeling angry and provoked by the rebellion of Benjamin, decided to fight him again. They mobilized their forces and started preparing for war. “…and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.” This is the crucial part: “array” means to line up or arrange oneself in a specific formation. "Gibeah" was a special area around Jerusalem that had important rules about distance and boundaries, and it was considered a place where a soldier could safely approach an enemy without being immediately attacked. So, they formed a defensive line – an array – specifically positioned to face Benjamin’s forces at Gibeah. What's the significance? This verse shows: A Cycle of Conflict: The story of this battle highlights a pattern of conflict and rebellion within Israel. It wasn't just one event; it was a recurring problem. Divine Justice: It suggests that God is involved in protecting his people and punishing those who defy him. The Israelites’ actions were seen as challenging God's authority. Strict Rules & Consequences: The arrangement of the soldiers at Gibeah indicates that they understood the importance of maintaining a defensive position and understanding the consequences of violating established rules, even in warfare. In short, it describes a tense situation where the Israelites, fueled by anger, prepared to fight again against Benjamin’s rebellion, utilizing a specific strategic location. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail?