Definition: So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:36. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about trust and betrayal. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Benjamin's Troubles: The verse focuses on the Israelites (specifically the tribe of Benjamin) who were experiencing problems. They Were Smitten: "Smitten" means deeply upset, angered, or disillusioned. They were feeling betrayed by something. Giving Place to Benjamites: The Israelites started moving people from Benjamin to a new area – Gibeah. What's Happening - The Root of the Problem? The Benjamites Were Set Up: The Benjamites, who were essentially foreign people, had been strategically placed beside (near) Gibeah. This is crucial. Gibeah was a sacred area for the Israelites – it was considered a place where they could hear God's voice and avoid being tricked or deceived. Trusting to Liars: The Benjamites were trusting in something – they were relying on lies. They were believing that these lies would protect them from danger. So, What Does it Mean? This verse is saying that the Israelites were vulnerable because they placed their trust in a group of people who weren’t truly trustworthy. They believed they could rely on these outsiders to keep them safe, but they were actually being tricked by dishonest people. The Significance: A Warning About Deception: It's a warning against being easily fooled by those who appear friendly or trustworthy. Importance of Vigilance: It highlights the need for careful observation and discernment – to always be aware of potential deceit. Divine Judgment (Potentially): It suggests that this situation could have led to further problems, as the Israelites were vulnerable to being deceived and manipulated. --- In short, it’s a story about trusting in the wrong people leading to trouble. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?