Definition: And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad [was] Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 10:20. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a disturbing incident involving a ritual sacrifice – specifically, a sacrifice of a young man – happening to a member of the tribe of Gad. Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad…” : This tells us we're talking about a group of Israelites (the tribe of Gad) who were gathered together for a special occasion. Think of it like a religious gathering. “…was [he] Eliasaph the son of Deuel.” : This is the key part. "Eliasaph" was a young man who was not a member of the tribe of Gad. He was actually a member of another tribe – the tribe of Deuel. The word “Eliasaph” means "descendant of a daughter" or "son of a daughter.” So, he was essentially a relative of one tribe but not part of the group being sacrificed. What’s Happening? The verse describes a situation where this Eliasaph was invited to participate in the ritual sacrifice. It's a strange and unsettling detail because it suggests a deliberate and potentially problematic arrangement. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a warning about: Disobedience: It highlights that some Israelites were choosing to be involved in a dangerous or troubling act, even if they weren’t part of the group being sacrificed. Favoritism: It suggests that the leaders of Israel might have been favoring certain individuals, potentially leading to unfairness and potential for conflict. In essence, this verse is a reminder that even within a community, there can be divisions and complexities. It's a stark example of how people can sometimes act in ways that are morally questionable or potentially harmful. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this story (like when it happened)? Explore a specific theme connected to this passage (e.g., obedience, justice)?