Definition: And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 20:41. It’s a really important and sobering passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel Was Being Targeted: The story begins with Israel being invaded by the Philistines. This was a very serious situation for them. Benjamin's People Were Affected: A significant portion of the people in Benjamin were attacked and harmed. This wasn’t just a random incident; it was a deliberate attack. The “Evil Came Upon Them” - It Means a Serious Problem: The verse says that these attacks weren’t accidental. They were caused by something bad happening – evil coming upon them. What Does "Evil" Mean? This is where it gets a bit deeper. The Bible doesn't always use the word “evil” directly. It means: A terrible, dangerous situation: A situation that threatened Israel’s safety and well-being. Something disruptive or harmful: Something that was upsetting and causing problems for them. In simpler terms, it describes a time of great danger and disruption. The Significance & Why It Matters: This verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It's a reminder that God’s judgment isn’t just about punishment, but often about bringing about problems when people stray from the path of righteousness. Key Takeaway: Judges 20:41 tells us that God was watching over Israel and saw that their situation was becoming increasingly dangerous due to the actions of some within Benjamin. It's a reminder that we should always be mindful of our choices and strive to follow God’s will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?