Definition: And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 20:21. It’s a really significant event in biblical history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Gibeah is a special area of Israel. It was a boundary that separated the people who were responsible for protecting the Israelites from enemies on both sides. Think of it like a buffer zone. A group of people from Benjamin came through Gibeah. Benjamin was a tribe in Israel, and this group – let’s call them “the children of Benjamin” – were traveling through the area. They attacked and destroyed something significant. The verse says they destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites. This is crucial. It means they went so far that they completely devastated a place – likely a temple, altar, or important structure. What’s the Significance? This event happened during a time of intense conflict and rebellion in Israel. It's often seen as a direct consequence of a large group of people from Benjamin attacking and destroying something sacred to the Israelites. Possible Interpretations (it’s not always clear): Rebellion & Violence: It suggests a serious rebellion by the children of Benjamin, leading to violence and destruction. Divine Punishment: It could be interpreted as God punishing those who rebelled against him or his people. A Warning: It might serve as a warning to others about the dangers of rebellion and the importance of obeying divine law. Important Note: The exact details of what was destroyed are debated among scholars, but it's clear this event had major consequences for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in biblical history? Give you a little more context about the period when this happened?