Definition: And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 20:28. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic verse with a lot of meaning. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: A Siege is Happening: The story centers around a large group of Israelites (specifically, the tribe of Benjamin) being besieged by a powerful enemy – likely the Philistines. They’re trapped and facing a difficult situation. Phinehas Intervenes: Phinehas, a man named from a royal family (the line of Aaron), is brought before this leader. He’s essentially a warrior who’s been given a special, powerful task. He's Given a Command: The leader says to Phinehas, “Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.” This means he needs Phinehas to take action and defeat the enemy. What’s Happening – It’s About a Special Weapon: The key part of this verse is that Phinehas has been given a special weapon – a sword called “the sword of the Lord” – specifically for this purpose. This sword is incredibly powerful and designed to kill enemies. The Significance - It's about Protection & Justice: Protecting the Israelites: The verse emphasizes that Phinehas’s job isn't just about fighting; it’s about protecting the Israelites from harm. He’s being asked to take a stand against the enemies of his people. Justice and Righteousness: It suggests that this action is also about doing what is right – showing justice and upholding God’s laws. Phinehas is being called upon to defend those who are vulnerable. In simpler terms, it's a situation where a warrior is entrusted with a powerful tool to defend his people against a serious threat. Overall Interpretation: This passage speaks to the idea of divine protection and righteous action . It highlights that God allows for difficult situations, but also empowers individuals like Phinehas to act in ways that are both necessary and just. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse? For example: What does "the sword of the Lord" symbolize? How does this relate to the larger context of the Old Testament?