Definition: And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who [were] weeping [before] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 25:6. It’s a really significant story about a crisis within the Israelite community and God’s plan to deal with it. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Midianitish Woman: This refers to a woman of Midian, a specific group of people living south of Israel. They were known for their unique customs and often had relationships with Israelites. Came and Brought…: A Midianitish man (a member of that group) traveled to the Israelites and brought this woman – this woman of Midian – to his brothers. In the Sight of all the Congregation: This is key! The entire Israelite community was watching, listening, and seeing what happened. It’s like a huge crowd gathered. Weeping Before the Door of the Tabernacle: The Israelites were already upset, but this woman's arrival caused a major emotional crisis. They were crying – likely because of fear, sadness, or perhaps feeling wronged. The tabernacle (a special building for worship) was their central place of safety and connection to God. What Happened Next? The Midianitish man then told the Israelites that this woman was a child of God. This is where it gets really important. He explained that this woman had been chosen by God to be with Moses, and she was bringing him a significant blessing – a sign of God's favor. The Significance: God’s Favor: This story shows that God doesn’t just care about the Israelites; He has plans for everyone. He chooses individuals and brings them into His presence. A Test of Faith: It was a test of faith for the Israelites. They were facing a challenge – a woman who wasn't an Israelite – and it highlighted that they needed to trust in God’s plan, even when things seemed difficult. In short, this verse is about God’s plan to bring a special person into the midst of a crisis, demonstrating His grace and choosing someone significant for His purposes. --- Would you like me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss the context of this story within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?