Definition: The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by [the direction of] the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness [they went] to Mattanah:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 21:18. It’s a really significant passage about God’s power and a massive victory against the enemy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem: A giant, powerful army of enemies was invading Israel. They were building a well to collect water – a crucial resource for the Israelites. Divine Intervention: The leaders of Israel, including the lawgiver (which is a very important figure in Jewish tradition), decided they needed to stop them from taking the well. They sent out teams of people to dig a new well. Large-Scale Digging: They dug this well very deep – almost as far as the wilderness (a vast, empty area). And, crucially, they also dug it with staves – wooden staffs used for digging. A Journey: Finally, these teams went to a place called Mattanah, which was a small, remote village. What It Means - A Summary of God’s Power: This verse is about God directly and powerfully working through his people. It's saying: God Controls the Earth: God is actively involved in the digging process. He’s not just sending people; he’s using them to do a task that requires immense effort. Divine Authority: The lawgiver, who is part of an important role in Jewish tradition, was directing and overseeing this entire operation – it shows that God is in charge and gives authority to his followers. God's Power Manifests: The act of digging the well with staves demonstrates God’s power. It wasn’t just about physical labor; it was a demonstration of his strength and ability to overcome anything. Key Takeaway: The verse highlights that God is actively working to defeat an enemy, not just through strategy or force, but by using his people as instruments of his will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories about God's power?