Definition: Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 23:24. It’s a pretty powerful image with a few layers of meaning. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a victorious, aggressive, and decisive act – a conquering army that is incredibly fierce and relentless. Let’s unpack the parts: “Numbers 23” : This refers to a specific event in ancient Israel's history, likely involving the destruction of the Philistine city of Gaza. “Behold…” : This is an exclamation – it’s a way of saying "Watch this!" or “Here’s what’s happening." “the people shall rise up as a great lion…” : This means the Israelites (and, symbolically, God) are going to be incredibly bold and assertive. They're not just standing around; they're actively taking action. They’re showing their power. “…and lift up himself as a young lion…” : This is key! The “lion” represents strength, courage, and leadership – qualities of the Israelites. It’s saying that these Israelites are going to be the lions. They will be bold and assertive leaders. “he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.” : This is where it gets a little more symbolic. It means: Eat the prey: This represents conquering or defeating enemies. It's about taking what’s rightfully theirs. Drink the blood of the slain: This is a gruesome but vital part. It signifies that they will not stop until they have taken what they need – their victory, their spoils, and ultimately, their enemies’ lives. It also represents the sacrifice and bloodshed required to achieve success. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse paints a picture of a victorious, aggressive, and brutal conquest. It emphasizes that God's people are destined for great deeds and will not be intimidated. It highlights the importance of courage, strength, and a willingness to take what is owed – even if it means inflicting some pain or sacrifice. It’s a call to action – to be prepared to fight, to be strong, and to never give up until your goals are achieved. In short, this verse speaks to the idea of a victorious battle that will be incredibly fierce and decisive. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular story or event in biblical history?