Definition: Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:42. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a huge battle. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was being attacked: The Israelites were facing a serious threat – they were being invaded by the Philistines, who were a powerful group of warriors. They turned away: The Israelites, feeling threatened and scared, started to run away from their homes and the battle began. The battle came - and it was fierce: A huge battle erupted between the Israelites and the Philistines. It was a very intense fight. The city dwellers destroyed: As the battle raged, some of the people in the cities – the Israelites’ neighbors – started to attack the soldiers and warriors. They were actively trying to harm the defenders. What happened next? The battle overtook them: The battle went on for a while, and it was very dangerous. They destroyed the city dwellers: In the midst of all the fighting, the Philistines completely destroyed many of the people in the cities. Putting it all together - A Simple Explanation: “Judges 20:42” describes a moment where the Israelites, driven by fear and fleeing, turned their backs and abandoned their homes, while the Philistines attacked them with full force. The battle was so intense that they destroyed the people living in the cities as well. Key Takeaway: It's a story about bravery, fear, and the consequences of turning away from God’s protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a larger theme in the Bible (like faith, courage, or judgment)?