Definition: And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that [were] with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:34. It’s a really important part of understanding how God works and protects his people. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: God is watching over a place called Shechem, and he’s sending his people to protect it from trouble. He’s setting up a watch – a group of people waiting – to keep an eye out for anything bad happening. Let's unpack it a little more: “Judges 9:34” : This is the verse itself, giving us the context. “And Abimelech rose up…” : This refers to a leader named Abimelech. He was a judge in Israel. “…and all the people that [were] with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.” : This is where it gets interesting. "By night" means they were watching during the nighttime. “Lay wait” means to be vigilant and keep watch. “In four companies” means they divided themselves into groups – like a team – to cover more ground. So, what’s happening? Abimelech and his group of people were strategically positioned throughout the area surrounding Shechem, keeping an eye out for any potential problems. They weren't just passively watching; they were actively waiting to respond if something bad happened. Why is this important? This story shows that God doesn’t just stand by and watch. He actively protects his people. It suggests a sense of responsibility and a protective attitude from the divine, showing that he’s involved in the lives of those he has chosen to protect. In essence, it's a reminder that God is watching over us and protecting us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of Shechem?