Definition: And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, [being] threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage from the Book of Judges! Here’s what it essentially means, explained in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very serious event in ancient Israel – a brutal massacre. Basically, a powerful king named “he” (we don't know his name) decided to eliminate a group of people from within his own family. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah…” – This tells us the king was traveling to his father’s home, which was located in Egypt. "Ophrah" is a place of great importance and significance for the Israelites. It’s like a special temple or meeting point. “…and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal…” – This means the king systematically killed all the members of his family, specifically the sons of Jerubbaal. Jerubbaal was a prominent and respected leader within the group. “[being] threescore and ten persons…” - This is where it gets a bit more complicated. "Threescore and ten" refers to the number of people in the family. It’s a very large number – 30 plus 10 = 40 people! This is a significant amount, suggesting a powerful and deeply rooted family. “upon one stone:” - This is key. The king didn't just kill them all at once; he deliberately chose one stone as the location of their deaths. It implies a deliberate act of violence and a finality to the tragedy. “Notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left…” – This is where it gets really strange. The verse continues, but it's important to note that Jotham , the youngest son, survived. This is what makes this passage so intriguing! “…for he hid himself.” - The king didn’t simply kill them all; he deliberately left him alive, hidden away. What does this all mean? There are a few possible interpretations of this verse, and it's been debated for centuries: A Trial or Punishment: Some scholars believe this event was a trial by the Lord. The king’s actions were a punishment for something he did – perhaps a grave sin. A Sign of God's Judgment: It could be seen as a sign that God is watching over Israel and judging their leaders. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s law. A Test of Faith: The king’s choice to leave his youngest son alive might suggest a test of faith, or a reminder that God’s judgment isn't always swift or straightforward. Important Note: The text itself is quite fragmented and open to interpretation. It's one of the most debated passages in the Bible. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its historical context, or its theological meaning?)

Definition: Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:50. It's a really interesting story about a man named Abimelech! Here’s the simple explanation: Basically, Abimelech was trying to get revenge on Thebez. Thebes: This was a city in Egypt, and it was a place of conflict for many years. Thebez: This was a city that was constantly fighting with Thebes, causing trouble and hardship. Abimelech went to Thebez: He traveled there to try and settle the situation. He encamped against them: He set up a camp near Thebez to prepare for a possible battle. And took it: This is the key part! Abimelech took Thebez. So, what does this mean? It means he conquered and occupied the city of Thebez. Why is this important? This story is a bit mysterious. It’s not just about winning a battle; it's a sign that God was working to establish His people in a difficult place. In short, this verse tells us that Abimelech, through his actions, helped to secure the future of Israel by taking Thebez. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about Judges 9?

Definition: But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut [it] to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:51. It's a really interesting and dramatic passage about a powerful defense system. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a city was facing a huge threat – likely an attack. To protect the people inside, the defenders completely shut down the city, leaving everyone trapped on the outside and forcing them to climb up a tall tower. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But there was a strong tower within the city…” - This establishes that there was a significant defensive structure – a tower – built in the city itself. It wasn't just a random building; it was strategically important. “…and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city…” - This is key. "Thither" means “there.” It means everyone inside the city – men, women, children, and even those who were not part of the city’s population – ran away . It was a mass evacuation. “…and shut [it] to them…” - This is where the action happens. The defenders completely locked down the city, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. It felt like a massive, impenetrable barrier. “And gat them up to the top of the tower.” - Finally, they left everyone on the top of this tall tower. It’s as if they were forcing them to climb to the highest point to escape. What does it mean practically? This verse is a powerful image of a desperate defense. It suggests: A significant threat: There was something dangerous happening that required immediate action. Total control: The defenders took absolute control, and they weren't allowing anyone to move freely. Fear and desperation: The people were terrified and had to flee for their lives. Overall Significance: This verse is a vivid illustration of the challenges faced by Israel during this time, and it emphasizes the importance of strong defenses and the need to protect your community from danger. It's a story about courage, resilience, and the consequences of facing overwhelming odds. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of the story in Judges 9?

Definition: And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 9:52. It's a pretty dramatic story about a man who was trying to get to the top of a very old and important tower! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Abimelech is a man. He’s a bit of a curious and adventurous person. He went to a tower. This tower was incredibly old – it had been built by Jacob’s father, Isaac, and his brother Esau. It was a very significant place for the Israelites. He fought against it. Abimelech didn't just stand there looking at the tower; he fought with it! He was trying to get to the top. He went hard unto the door of the tower. This is key. He wasn’t just going up; he was determined to destroy the tower completely. What happened next? He burned it with fire. Abimelech used a giant fire to burn the tower down. It was a really powerful act! So, what's the big takeaway? This story is about: Rebellion: Abimelech challenged something that was old and important – the tower. Determination: He wasn’t going to let it stay untouched. God’s Power: It shows how God can powerfully overcome anything, even something that seems impenetrable. It's a story about a man who took action against something that was difficult to deal with. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the tower itself? Talk about the context of this story in the larger book of Judges?

Definition: And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and all to brake his skull.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that passage from Judges 9:53. It’s a really strange and dramatic story! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Abimelech is in trouble. Abimelech, a man of great wealth and power, was having a terrible time. He was facing a massive problem – he had discovered a giant millstone hidden beneath his house. It was enormous! A Woman Interferes. A woman, named Gahath , becomes obsessed with the millstone. She’s so consumed by it that she starts throwing pieces of a millstone onto Abimelech's head. It's a Symbolic Punishment. This isn't about hurting him physically. It's a really weird and symbolic act. The millstone represents something heavy and burdensome, and the woman’s actions are like trying to break him down psychologically. What Does it Mean? The Bible says that this woman’s action was a punishment . It's not about hurting him directly, but rather causing him significant distress and making him feel overwhelmed by his own problems. It’s a way for God to test him and show him the consequences of his actions – or perhaps, his obsession with something that wasn’t right. Key Takeaway: It’s a story about a woman's obsessive behavior causing psychological pain and ultimately leading to a difficult situation for Abimelech. It’s important to note: This is an ancient text, and the meaning can be interpreted in different ways. The story highlights themes of obsession, judgment, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme or symbol within this passage?

Definition: Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly difficult and shocking passage from Judges 9:54. It's a deeply disturbing story, and it’s important to understand the context before we go into the details. Here's what it means in simple terms: This verse describes a horrific act of violence – a woman stabbing a young man to death. It’s a moment of intense panic and betrayal, and it highlights a very serious situation within the story of the Judges. Let’s unpack it step-by-step: 1. “Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him…” This is crucial. The narrator is not describing a heroic act. They are in utter shock and fear. They're calling upon someone – likely a trusted companion – to immediately take action. 2. “…and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me…” This is the core of the story. The narrator is begging the young man to kill them. They’re essentially pleading with him to take a life – to make it known they are dead. 3. “…and his young man thrust him through, and he died.” This is the brutal climax. The young man is stabbed. He dies. What's the significance of this story? It’s a turning point in the narrative: It marks a significant shift in the story. The Judges are overwhelmed by a terrible event, and they desperately seek someone to take action. It's a symbol of chaos and violence: The story illustrates how quickly things can spiral out of control when trust is broken and people become consumed by anger and desperation. It shows that even in the midst of a crisis, it’s possible for terrible things to happen. Important Context (it adds depth): The Judges are struggling: The story takes place during a period of intense conflict and turmoil in Israel. The Judges are dealing with a powerful enemy and are facing a desperate situation. It's a moment of profound despair: The narrator is experiencing intense fear, guilt, and shame. They recognize that their actions have led to such a horrific event. In short, this verse presents a heartbreaking scene where betrayal and violence erupt, fueled by panic and desperation. It’s a powerful illustration of the devastating consequences of evil and the importance of trust. --- Disclaimer: I've provided an explanation based on common interpretations of biblical texts. These texts are complex and often deal with challenging themes. If you need deeper understanding or interpretation, consulting with a religious scholar or biblical scholar would be beneficial. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Judges 9? Discuss the possible symbolism behind this passage?

Definition: And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:55. It’s a pretty dramatic and important moment in biblical history! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core of the Verse: “And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place.” What’s Happening? Abimelech is Dead: This is the key. Abimelech was a king and a man of great importance in the land of Israel. He was a leader and a respected figure. He died. They Saw Him Dead: The people of Israel, after seeing this news, were shocked and deeply saddened. They realized he was gone. What Does it Mean? This verse describes a very unsettling situation: Fear and Separation. “Departed Every Man unto His Place” : This is the most important part. It means that everyone in Israel – every single person – immediately started moving away from each other, leaving their homes and communities. It wasn’t a slow process; it was a rapid evacuation. Why is this significant? This event happened during a time of great crisis for the Israelites. It speaks to: Loss of Leadership: Abimelech's death meant a loss of leadership, stability, and authority. Fear and Uncertainty: The people were terrified because they didn’t know what would happen next. Their world was disrupted. A Shift in Focus: It signaled that the situation had become too dangerous to continue living as it was. The focus shifted from the King's rule to a period of uncertainty and rebuilding. In short, this verse paints a picture of profound grief and a desperate move to ensure everyone’s safety and security. Think of it like this: It’s like when a ship is suddenly thrown into a storm – everyone needs to quickly get away from each other to survive. It's a moment of intense emotional weight and a shift in priorities. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story? Or would you like me to give you some deeper meaning or interpretation?

Definition: Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:56. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the story. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 9” : This refers to a specific story in the Old Testament book of Judges. It's a dramatic account of a troubling situation involving a man named Abimelech. “Thus God” : This isn't saying God did something bad. It’s more like God intervened and reacted to something terrible that happened. “rendered” : This is a really strong word – it means to punish, to make something very difficult or unpleasant. “the wickedness of Abimelech” : This is the core of the verse. Abimelech was a man who was incredibly greedy and dishonest. He was obsessed with getting rich quick and he made a terrible mistake that caused immense suffering. “which he did unto his father” : This means God punished Abimelech because of his actions . It's not just about him being bad; it’s because of what he did . “in slaying his seventy brethren” : This is the shocking part. Abimelech had a large group of people – seventy brothers – who were all murdered! This was a massive loss of life and a devastating blow to their community. So, in short: God punished Abimelech for his greed and dishonesty because he caused such a great tragedy by killing so many people. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a reminder that: Greed can have terrible consequences. Abimelech's obsession led to a massive loss of life. God’s judgment isn't always about punishment for wrongdoing, but sometimes it's about the severity of the harm caused. God might punish people for their actions even if they don't fully understand why. Does this mean God is angry with us? Not necessarily in a way that would make us feel bad. It's more like God is showing us that there are serious consequences to our choices and that we need to be careful about what we do. --- Do you want me to: Explain this story further? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like forgiveness or repentance)?

Definition: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:57. It’s a really important piece of history that speaks about a time when people in Shechem were suffering terribly. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Shechem Was a Place: In the ancient world, there were often small, isolated communities called “places” or “cities.” These places were usually built around a central temple or shrine. Evil Men Came: A group of men named Shechem began to cause trouble and harm in this place. They were essentially practicing evil and disrespecting God. God’s Punishment: God, seeing their wickedness, declared a punishment upon them. This punishment wasn't just a simple warning; it was a powerful curse. What Did the Curse Do? The verse says that God “rendered all the evil of the men of Shechem upon their heads.” That’s a really strong way of saying they were suffering from the consequences of their actions. It meant they were facing serious trouble, hardship, and likely pain. What Happened Next? Jotham’s Son: This curse was inflicted by Jotham, the son of Jerubbaal (who is mentioned in the verse). He was a ruler who continued to practice evil and disrespect God. The Curse Lasted: The curse lasted for a period of time, causing significant suffering for the people of Shechem. Key Takeaway: This verse is a story about divine justice – God punishing those who are wicked and disrespectful. It highlights that even though people might seem powerful or successful, true power comes from obeying God’s laws and living righteously. In short, it's a warning about the dangers of evil and the importance of following God’s commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period this story occurred in (roughly)? Discuss what this verse might mean for us today?