Definition: And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:21. It’s a pretty serious and dramatic statement about a conflict. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain English: “And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And see…” : This is a warning. It's emphasizing something important. “and, behold…” : This adds more emphasis and suggests a significant event is about to happen. "Behold" means "see" in Hebrew, so it’s a dramatic announcement. “…if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances…” : This describes a specific action – the daughters of Shiloh, a group known for their beautiful and lively dancing, are actively participating in a celebration. It's not just casually happening; they’re dancing . “then come ye out of the vineyards...” : This means they’re being called upon to leave the vineyards – which were probably places of agriculture and gathering. It suggests a forced departure, potentially due to a threat or conflict. "...and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh..." : This is the core of the verse. It's saying that everyone who is a woman (and therefore a daughter) of Shiloh will be seized and taken as a wife. The word "catch" implies a swift and forceful action. "...and go to the land of Benjamin." : This directs them to travel to a specific area – Benjamin – which was a region in Israel. Overall Interpretation & Context: This verse is part of a larger story within the Old Testament, particularly concerning the aftermath of a significant conflict involving the tribes of Shiloh and Benjamin. It’s essentially a warning about a potential uprising or rebellion led by those daughters of Shiloh. The action – seizing their wives – is intended to disrupt their activities and potentially lead to a massive loss of life and resources. Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among biblical scholars, but it's generally understood as a dramatic announcement of a severe consequence for those who are part of the Shiloh group. It’s a powerful message about potential danger and the importance of vigilance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or events in the Bible? Provide a summary of its significance in the larger narrative?