Definition: But now this [shall be] the thing which we will do to Gibeah; [we will go up] by lot against it;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:9. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of the story. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a brutal punishment being inflicted on a man named Sheba , who was a prominent priest in Gibeah – a specific area of Jerusalem known for its religious practices and close proximity to the Temple. The message is that Sheba will be completely destroyed, not just punished mildly. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But now this [shall be] the thing which we will do to Gibeah…” : This means that a specific action – a severe punishment – is being planned for Sheba. It's not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant and deliberate act. “…we will go up by lot against it…” : This is the crucial part. Instead of Sheba being punished in any way, the judges decided to punish him by randomly selecting someone else . They chose another person (likely another priest) to be subjected to the same fate. The word "by lot" means they made a random selection. This shows that the punishment was not based on any perceived wrongdoing of Sheba, but rather a deliberate and forceful decision. What's the Significance? This verse is significant for several reasons: It highlights the power of the judges: It demonstrates that God’s judgment wasn’t just about punishing Sheba; it was about using his fate to demonstrate His authority and justice. It shows a shift in strategy: The story goes on to show that this wasn't the first act of punishment after Sheba’s death. This suggests a deliberate and calculated process of escalating punishments, demonstrating God’s power. It’s about divine sovereignty: The verse reinforces that God is in control and uses His judgment to protect His people and establish justice. In short, this verse describes a highly unusual and forceful punishment – a random selection of another person – to demonstrate God's complete authority and judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of the story in more detail? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse (e.g., its symbolism)? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a Bible study?