Definition: Now Zebah and Zalmunna [were] in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand [men], all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 8:10. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a massive group of people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Zebah and Zalmunna were trapped: The verse tells us that Zebah and Zalmunna, two men, were held captive in a cave called Karkor by a man named Karkor. A Huge Crowd: Karkor had a huge group of people – about 150,000 strong! This is a massive number. Leftover Hosts of the East: The key part is that Karkor had left behind a lot of other men who were still alive. These weren’t just a few; they were the remnants of a large group of people from the east – basically, people from an area further to the east. A Huge Loss: "There fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword" – This is the most shocking part. It means that over 120,000 men actively started fighting each other. What's the Significance? This whole situation is a bit confusing because it seems like a terrible accident. It points to a significant problem: Conflict & Violence: The large group of people left behind by Karkor was in a state of conflict and bloodshed. It suggests that this wasn’t just a minor disagreement; it escalated into a violent struggle. Karkor's Role: Karkor is essentially acting as a facilitator or pawn in this conflict. He’s letting the large group of people continue their fighting without taking responsibility for it. Overall Interpretation (It’s complex, but here’s what we can infer): This verse paints a picture of chaos and devastation. It highlights that even after a significant event (Karkor's actions), violence continues to spread and escalate. It's a reminder that sometimes, things don't simply resolve themselves; they continue to cause problems. Important Note: The exact context and meaning of this verse are debated by scholars. It’s often seen as a warning about the dangers of unrestrained leadership or the consequences of neglecting responsibility. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical background of Karkor? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse (like its connection to the story of Samson)?