Definition: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 3:22. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic description of a man who was severely wounded. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a man named Shem who had been attacked by a giant, ferocious lion. The lion was so powerful that it ripped his belly open, causing a massive blood flow. Let’s unpack the details: “And the haft also went in after the blade…” – “Haft” means “belly” or “abdomen.” This refers to the area where the man's belly was injured. The “haft” is literally the belly, and it’s being pulled in. “…and the fat closed upon the blade…” - The "fat" here refers to a large amount of blood that had accumulated in his belly. It’s like a huge pool of liquid. "...so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly;” – This is key! The blood was so thick and abundant that it created a wall or barrier around his belly. It made it impossible for him to reach the dagger (the weapon) he had been holding. “and the dirt came out.” - Because the blood was so plentiful, it seeped out of his belly cavity. This is often interpreted as symbolizing that the man’s life force, or even his soul, was being released – a gruesome and symbolic act of purification. What does this verse tell us about the story? The Power of God: It emphasizes that God is powerful and can overcome any obstacle, even seemingly impossible ones. Divine Protection: The verse suggests that God’s protection is not just about physical defense; it's about keeping the man from harm and releasing his spirit. A Moment of Suffering: It portrays a moment of intense suffering and a dramatic display of God's power. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a desperate situation where God intervened to prevent a terrible outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage from Judges 3? Discuss the symbolism behind this imagery? Compare this story to other stories about overcoming obstacles?