Definition: And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode [the grapes], and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:27. It's a really unsettling and dramatic story about a king and his family. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Abimelech was King of Chedor: This is the main character – a wealthy and powerful king who lived in a city called Chedor. A Problem Arises: Abimelech had a son, a man named “the son of the king,” who was restless and unhappy. He wasn’t content with his life and wanted more. They Went to a Temple: The son went to a temple (a place of worship) to pray for something – perhaps he felt like he didn't have enough of what he needed. They Started Drinking & Eating: Instead of praying, they started drinking wine and eating heartily. They became very merry and joyful. They Went Into the Temple: This is a crucial part - they entered the temple, which was a sacred space for worship. They Made Merry and Ate in the Temple: They enjoyed themselves immensely within the temple, indulging in food and drink. They Cursed Abimelech: Finally, after their celebration, they cursed Abimelech! This is where it gets really dark – they treated him with disrespect and anger. What’s the Meaning? This verse paints a picture of a king who became arrogant and disrespectful to God. It suggests that he prioritized his own pleasure and comfort over following God's commands. His actions were a sign of rebellion against divine authority. Key Takeaway: It’s a warning about the dangers of prioritizing personal desires above trust in God and respecting His laws. It shows how pride and disrespect can lead to serious consequences. Important Note: The word "trode" is a bit tricky. It means "to walk" or "to stride." In this context, it’s used metaphorically to mean “to make strides” or “to move forward with unrestrained enthusiasm.” It highlights the king's excessive celebration and disregard for what was right. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the story in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Compare it to other stories or biblical themes?