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?