Definition: And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 2:4. It's a really important part of understanding God’s presence and how He interacts with His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment where God spoke to the Israelites – a group of people – and they responded by crying out. It’s a powerful image of deep sorrow and humbling before God. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Judges 2:4” : This tells us where this happened - in the midst of a time of crisis, possibly a period of hardship or trouble for Israel. “And it came to pass…” : This is just saying that something happened – a significant event occurred. It’s a way of introducing a story. “…when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel…” : This is crucial! “Angel of the Lord” means God’s messenger, a special person sent by Him. “Spake” means spoke or said. “unto all the children of Israel” – this refers to every member of the Israelites. It's not just a single leader; it’s everyone. “…that the people lifted up their voice…” : This is key! The people were listening, but they weren’t really listening to God. They were focused on something else – perhaps their own worries or problems. "Lifted up their voice" means they began to speak out with a sense of seriousness and perhaps even pain. “…and wept.” : This is the most important part! The people cried out, not in anger, but in deep sorrow and humility . It suggests they felt shame, regret, or a deep awareness of their own failings. What’s the Significance? This story is significant because it shows: God's Presence: When God speaks to us, it's often a moment where He feels our pain and struggles. Our Response to Him: Responding with tears – acknowledging that we are humbled before Him – is a powerful way of showing our respect and love for God. It’s a sign that we are open to His guidance and forgiveness. In short, the verse tells us that when God speaks to us, it's a time of profound emotion - sorrow and humility - that reminds us of our dependence on Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event in Bible history (like the story of Israel’s wandering)? Discuss what this verse might mean for our relationship with God today?