Definition: And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:45. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a group of people fleeing a powerful enemy. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.” Let's unpack it step-by-step: 1. “And they turned and fled…” – This is the key part. The people who were fleeing weren’t just running away from something; they were actively turning away from a threat. They felt threatened and decided to escape. 2. “…toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon…” - They chose to go into a very remote, isolated area – the "rock of Rimmon" – in the middle of the desert. This was a place of great importance and protection in ancient Israelite history. It symbolized a place of refuge. 3. “…and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men…” - This is where it gets interesting. They didn’t just run; they gathered a large group of people (five thousand!). They were actively seeking to collect and acquire what they could. This suggests a strategic effort to weaken or eliminate the enemy. 4. “…and pursued hard after them unto Gidom…” - They weren't just observing from afar. They began relentlessly pursuing these fleeing individuals, moving towards a specific location called “Gidom.” “Gidom” likely meant a place of significance – perhaps a border or an important landmark. 5. “…and slew two thousand men of them.” - This is the shocking part. The pursuers didn’t just try to stop them; they killed many of those fleeing people. It suggests a brutal and decisive action taken to eliminate a significant threat. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of intense conflict and desperation. The fleeing group was facing a powerful enemy, and they took decisive action – they actively sought to eliminate the threat through force. It’s a story of bravery (in their desperate escape), ruthlessness (in the slaying of the pursuers), and ultimately, victory achieved through a combination of strategic maneuvering and violent confrontation. Important Note: The text is very old and some interpretations focus on the symbolism of the "rock of Rimmon" as a place of protection and judgment. It’s a complex story with multiple layers of meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Offer different possible interpretations of the event?