Definition: And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Judges 4:3. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about God’s power. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: God was incredibly strong and controlling over the Israelites – they were facing a serious problem, and he wasn’t letting them go easily. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD…” - This shows that the Israelites were in distress, worried, and perhaps feeling lost or hopeless. They weren't just passively reacting; they were calling on God for help. It highlights their desperation. “…for he had nine hundred chariots of iron…” – This is a HUGE image. "Chariots of iron" suggests powerful, organized military forces. This implies a significant and terrifying presence of God’s might. These chariots were likely used for war and conquest. “and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.” - This is the most important part. “Mightily oppressed” means that God was actively and relentlessly working against them, causing great hardship and suffering. It wasn't just a slow period of difficulty; it was a sustained period of struggle. So, what’s the overall message? It tells us that God was actively intervening in Israel's situation, using powerful forces to make things incredibly difficult for them. It suggests a time of significant challenge and possibly a period of exile or hardship for the Israelites. Important Context: This verse appears after the judges have been ruling over Israel for a long time. It’s often seen as a sign that God is testing, challenging, and ultimately, working to bring about a change in their lives – whether that's a restoration of peace or a new path. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context behind this passage? Talk about the significance of this story within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?