\id JDG - Copyright World Bible Translation Center 1987, 1999, 2006, 2008 
\ide UTF-8
\h Judges 
\toc1 Judges 
\toc2 Judges 
\mt1 Judges 
\c 1  
\s1 Judah Fights the Canaanites 
\p
\v 1 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* \w died|strong="H4194"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w prayed|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, “\w Which|strong="H4310"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* tribes \w should|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w first|strong="H8462"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w*?” 
\p
\v 2 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w take|strong="H5927"\w* \w this|strong="H3068"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*.” 
\p
\v 3 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w of|strong="H0251"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w their|strong="H1571"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w from|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w tribe|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H0251"\w* \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w for|strong="H0854"\w* help. \w They|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, if \w you|strong="H0854"\w* \w will|strong="H1571"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* help \w us|strong="H0559"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w for|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w land|strong="H1486"\w* \w God|strong="H0559"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H0559"\w*, \w we|strong="H1980"\w* \w will|strong="H1571"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* help \w you|strong="H0854"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w for|strong="H0854"\w* \w your|strong="H0559"\w* \w land|strong="H1486"\w*.” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w of|strong="H0251"\w* \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w* agreed \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w them|strong="H5927"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 10,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Bezek|strong="H0966"\w*. 
\v 5 \w In|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H5221"\w* \w Bezek|strong="H0966"\w*, \w they|strong="H5221"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* ruler \w of|strong="H5221"\w* \w Bezek|strong="H0966"\w*\f + \fr 1:5  \fk ruler of Bezek \ft Or “Adoni Bezek.”\f* \w and|strong="H0853"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w him|strong="H5221"\w*, \w and|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H5221"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w and|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* ruler \w of|strong="H3027"\w* Bezek tried \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w escape|strong="H5127"\w*, \w but|strong="H5127"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* men \w of|strong="H3027"\w* Judah \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w caught|strong="H0270"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. \w When|strong="H5127"\w* \w they|strong="H0310"\w* \w caught|strong="H0270"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, \w they|strong="H0310"\w* \w cut|strong="H7112"\w* \w off|strong="H7112"\w* \w his|strong="H3027"\w* \w thumbs|strong="H0931"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w big|strong="H0931"\w* \w toes|strong="H0931"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* ruler \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Bezek \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w cut|strong="H7112"\w* \w off|strong="H7112"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w thumbs|strong="H0931"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w big|strong="H0931"\w* \w toes|strong="H0931"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* 70 \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*. \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* eat \w pieces|strong="H7112"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* food \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w fell|strong="H1961"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w table|strong="H7979"\w*. \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has|strong="H0430"\w* \w paid|strong="H3027"\w* \w me|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w for|strong="H8478"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0935"\w*.” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judah \w took|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* ruler \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Bezek \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H3898"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w it|strong="H7971"\w*. \w They|strong="H6310"\w* used \w their|strong="H7971"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H6310"\w* burned \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Later|strong="H0310"\w*, \w they|strong="H0310"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H3898"\w* some more \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0310"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w*, \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0310"\w* \w Negev|strong="H5045"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0310"\w* western \w foothills|strong="H8219"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* men \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w who|strong="H3427"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. (\w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* used \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H8034"\w* \w called|strong="H8034"\w* Kiriath Arba.) \w They|strong="H5221"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* men \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Sheshai|strong="H8344"\w*, \w Ahiman|strong="H0289"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Talmai|strong="H8526"\w*.\f + \fr 1:10  \fk Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai \ft Three sons of a man named Anak. They were giants. See Num. 13:22.\f* 
\s1 Caleb \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w His|strong="H5221"\w* Daughter 
\p
\v 11 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* men \w of|strong="H3427"\w* Judah \w left|strong="H8033"\w* \w that|strong="H8033"\w* \w place|strong="H8033"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* city \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Debir|strong="H1688"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. (\w In|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* past, \w Debir|strong="H1688"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w called|strong="H8034"\w* Kiriath Sepher.) 
\v 12 Before \w they|strong="H0834"\w* started \w to|strong="H0559"\w* fight, \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w promise|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Acsah|strong="H5915"\w* \w in|strong="H0802"\w* \w marriage|strong="H0802"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w whoever|strong="H0834"\w* \w attacks|strong="H5221"\w* \w and|strong="H0802"\w* conquers Kiriath Sepher.” 
\p
\v 13 \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w younger|strong="H6996"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* named \w Kenaz|strong="H7073"\w*. \w Kenaz|strong="H7073"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* named \w Othniel|strong="H6274"\w*. \w Othniel|strong="H6274"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Kiriath Sepher. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w Acsah|strong="H5915"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w Othniel|strong="H6274"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*. 
\p
\v 14 Acsah \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* live \w with|strong="H5921"\w* Othniel. Othniel \w told|strong="H0559"\w* Acsah\f + \fr 1:14  \fk Othniel told Acsah \ft Or “Acsah told Othniel.”\f* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* some \w land|strong="H7704"\w*. \w She|strong="H4100"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w she|strong="H4100"\w* got \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w donkey|strong="H2543"\w*, \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* wrong?” 
\p
\v 15 Acsah \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w blessing|strong="H1293"\w*.\f + \fr 1:15  \fk Give me a blessing \ft Or “Please welcome me” or “Give me a stream of water.”\f* \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* dry desert \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Negev|strong="H5045"\w*. Please \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* some \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w with|strong="H0776"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w on|strong="H0776"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*.” \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w her|strong="H5414"\w* \w what|strong="H3588"\w* \w she|strong="H3588"\w* wanted. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w her|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w upper|strong="H5942"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w lower|strong="H8482"\w* pools \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w Kenites|strong="H7017"\w* \w left|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Palm|strong="H8558"\w* \w Trees|strong="H8558"\w*\f + \fr 1:16  \fk City of Palm Trees \ft Another name for Jericho.\f* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w there|strong="H5927"\w*. \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Negev|strong="H5045"\w* \w near|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w Arad|strong="H6166"\w*. (\w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w Kenites|strong="H7017"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* family \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moses’|strong="H4872"\w* \w father-in-law|strong="H2859"\w*.) 
\p
\v 17 Some \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Zephath|strong="H6857"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H7121"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w men|strong="H7121"\w* \w from|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tribe|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Simeon|strong="H8095"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w completely|strong="H2763"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w they|strong="H2763"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w Hormah|strong="H2767"\w*.\f + \fr 1:17  \fk Hormah \ft This name means “completely destroyed” or “a gift given totally to God.” See Leviticus 27:28-29.\f* 
\p
\v 18 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* men \w of|strong="H1366"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H1366"\w* \w Gaza|strong="H5804"\w*, \w Ashkelon|strong="H0831"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Ekron|strong="H6138"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w all|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* small towns around \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 19 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w side|strong="H0854"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w fought|strong="H0854"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w took|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w failed|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w take|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w valleys|strong="H6010"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w near|strong="H8033"\w* \w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w*, \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* land \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w Caleb’s|strong="H3612"\w* family. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Caleb|strong="H3612"\w* forced \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Anak\f + \fr 1:20  \fk three sons of Anak \ft Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, mentioned above in verse 10.\f* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\p
\v 21 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w could|strong="H2088"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w even|strong="H5704"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*,\f + \fr 1:21  \fk even today \ft That is, at the time the book was written.\f* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. 
\s1 Joseph’s \w Descendants|strong="H1121"\w* Capture Bethel 
\p
\v 22 \w The|strong="H3068"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Joseph|strong="H3130"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* fight \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* city \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. 
\v 23 \w They|strong="H8034"\w* sent some spies \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* (\w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w then|strong="H3130"\w* \w called|strong="H8034"\w* \w Luz|strong="H3870"\w*). 
\v 24 \w While|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w spies|strong="H8104"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w watching|strong="H8104"\w*, \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w come|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*, “\w Show|strong="H7200"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* secret way \w into|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w If|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* help \w us|strong="H4994"\w*, \w we|strong="H4994"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* not hurt \w you|strong="H5973"\w*.” 
\p
\v 25 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w showed|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* spies \w the|strong="H3605"\w* secret \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w into|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Joseph \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Bethel. \w But|strong="H7200"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w did|strong="H0376"\w* not hurt \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* helped \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w or|strong="H0376"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H4940"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H4940"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* allowed \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w free|strong="H7971"\w*. 
\v 26 \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w Hittites|strong="H2850"\w* lived \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H1129"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w Luz|strong="H3870"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w Luz|strong="H3870"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\s1 \w Other|strong="H2088"\w* Tribes Fight \w the|strong="H5704"\w* Canaanites 
\p
\v 27 \w There|strong="H3427"\w* \w were|strong="H1323"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Beth Shean, \w Taanach|strong="H8590"\w*, \w Dor|strong="H1756"\w*, \w Ibleam|strong="H2991"\w*, \w Megiddo|strong="H4023"\w*, \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* small \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* around \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w from|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* could \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w those|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H0776"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H3423"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0776"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H3423"\w* homes. 
\v 28 \w Later|strong="H1961"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* grew \w stronger|strong="H2388"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w forced|strong="H4522"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w work|strong="H7760"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* slaves \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* could \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force all \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* land. 
\p
\v 29 \w There|strong="H3427"\w* \w were|strong="H0669"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Gezer|strong="H1507"\w*. \w And|strong="H0669"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ephraimites|strong="H0669"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* make all \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H7130"\w* \w land|strong="H7130"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* continued \w to|strong="H3427"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Gezer|strong="H1507"\w* \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ephraimites|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\p
\v 30 Some \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Kitron|strong="H7003"\w* \w and|strong="H3427"\w* \w Nahalol|strong="H5096"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w those|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H1961"\w* \w land|strong="H7130"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w and|strong="H3427"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* work \w as|strong="H1961"\w* slaves. 
\p
\v 31 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Asher|strong="H0836"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w the|strong="H0853"\w* other \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H3427"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Acco|strong="H5910"\w*, \w Sidon|strong="H6721"\w*, \w Ahlab|strong="H0303"\w*, \w Aczib|strong="H0392"\w*, \w Helbah|strong="H2462"\w*, \w Aphek|strong="H0663"\w*, \w and|strong="H3427"\w* \w Rehob|strong="H7340"\w*. 
\v 32 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Asher \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w those|strong="H3588"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* \w to|strong="H0776"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* continued \w to|strong="H0776"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w them|strong="H3423"\w*. 
\p
\v 33 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Beth Shemesh \w and|strong="H0776"\w* Beth Anath, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w* \w continued|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w those|strong="H0853"\w* cities. \w Those|strong="H0853"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w* worked \w as|strong="H1961"\w* slaves \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*. 
\p
\v 34 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w forced|strong="H3905"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* live \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* stay \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* would \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w come|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* live \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w valleys|strong="H6010"\w*. 
\v 35 \w The|strong="H1961"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* decided \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Heres|strong="H2776"\w*, \w Aijalon|strong="H0357"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w Shaalbim|strong="H8169"\w*. \w Later|strong="H1961"\w*, \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Joseph|strong="H3130"\w* \w grew|strong="H3513"\w* stronger, \w they|strong="H3027"\w* \w made|strong="H3513"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* work \w as|strong="H1961"\w* slaves \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H3027"\w*. 
\v 36 \w The|strong="H4605"\w* \w land|strong="H1366"\w* \w of|strong="H1366"\w* \w the|strong="H4605"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w was|strong="H1366"\w* \w from|strong="H1366"\w* Scorpion Pass \w to|strong="H4605"\w* \w Sela|strong="H5553"\w* \w and|strong="H5553"\w* \w up|strong="H4605"\w* into \w the|strong="H4605"\w* hill country \w past|strong="H4605"\w* \w Sela|strong="H5553"\w*. 
\c 2  
\s1 The Angel of the Lord at Bokim 
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Bokim|strong="H1066"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Gilgal|strong="H1537"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites: “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w led|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w give|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w break|strong="H6565"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 2 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* return, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w any|strong="H3808"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w destroy|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w altars|strong="H4196"\w*. \w I|strong="H0776"\w* \w told|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w obey|strong="H8085"\w* \w me|strong="H6963"\w*. 
\p
\v 3 “\w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H1571"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* this, ‘\w I|strong="H1571"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* force \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H6654"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* leave this \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w any|strong="H1571"\w* \w longer|strong="H3808"\w*. These \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* problem \w for|strong="H0430"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w trap|strong="H4170"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Their|strong="H6440"\w* false \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* net \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w trap|strong="H4170"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 4 \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w this|strong="H0428"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w*. 
\v 5 \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w Bokim|strong="H1066"\w*.\f + \fr 2:5  \fk Bokim \ft This name means “people crying.”\f* \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2076"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\s1 Disobedience \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Defeat 
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* told \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w home|strong="H0776"\w*, \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* tribe \w went|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w take|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H7971"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 7 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w served|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w alive|strong="H7200"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* continued \w serving|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w lifetimes|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H0310"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* died. \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 8 \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Nun|strong="H5126"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w age|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* 110 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 9 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* Joshua \w on|strong="H2022"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w* \w that|strong="H2022"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w had|strong="H0853"\w* been given. \w That|strong="H2022"\w* \w was|strong="H1366"\w* \w at|strong="H6912"\w* Timnath Heres, \w in|strong="H6912"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w north|strong="H6828"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Gaash|strong="H1608"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w generation|strong="H1755"\w* died, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w next|strong="H0312"\w* \w generation|strong="H1755"\w* grew \w up|strong="H6965"\w*. \w This|strong="H1931"\w* new \w generation|strong="H1755"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w about|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 11 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* something very \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w before|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* began \w serving|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* false \w god|strong="H3068"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*. 
\v 12 \w It|strong="H5439"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w But|strong="H5800"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* stopped \w following|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* began \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* false \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* living \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H3707"\w*. 
\v 13 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites stopped following \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* began \w worshiping|strong="H5647"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* Ashtoreth. 
\p
\v 14 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* attack \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w take|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* possessions. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* lived \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w could|strong="H3201"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* protect themselves \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. 
\v 15 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* fight, \w they|strong="H0834"\w* always lost. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* lost \w because|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w side|strong="H3027"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* already \w warned|strong="H1696"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* lose \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w served|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gods \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* living \w around|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w suffered|strong="H3334"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w much|strong="H3027"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* chose \w leaders|strong="H8199"\w* called \w judges|strong="H8199"\w*. These \w leaders|strong="H8199"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* Israelites \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w enemies|strong="H6965"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* took \w their|strong="H3068"\w* possessions. 
\v 17 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*—\w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*.\f + \fr 2:17  \fk were not faithful … gods \ft Literally, “acted like a prostitute with other gods.”\f* \w In|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w past|strong="H5493"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites \w obeyed|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w now|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites changed \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5493"\w* \w obeying|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 Many \w times|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Israel \w did|strong="H3117"\w* bad \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w would|strong="H3068"\w* cry \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w*. \w And|strong="H6965"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* felt \w sorry|strong="H5162"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w sent|strong="H3027"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w always|strong="H3117"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w judges|strong="H8199"\w*. \w Each|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*. 
\v 19 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* each \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w the|strong="H0310"\w* Israelites \w again|strong="H7725"\w* sinned \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w started|strong="H1961"\w* \w worshiping|strong="H7812"\w* \w the|strong="H0310"\w* false \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w acted|strong="H7843"\w* worse \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w*. \w The|strong="H0310"\w* Israelites \w were|strong="H1961"\w* very \w stubborn|strong="H7186"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w change|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* evil \w ways|strong="H1870"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H2734"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w nation|strong="H1471"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w broken|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H8085"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w listened|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H6963"\w*. 
\v 21 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w longer|strong="H3254"\w* defeat \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* clear \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w way|strong="H6440"\w* \w for|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Israelites. \w Those|strong="H0834"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w still|strong="H1571"\w* \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w Joshua|strong="H3091"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w let|strong="H3808"\w* \w them|strong="H6440"\w* stay \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*. 
\v 22 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* use \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w test|strong="H5254"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w see|strong="H0834"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w can|strong="H0518"\w* \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w commands|strong="H1870"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w*.” 
\v 23 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \w those|strong="H0428"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* stay \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w quickly|strong="H4118"\w* \w force|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w leave|strong="H3240"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* country. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* help \w Joshua’s|strong="H3091"\w* army \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\c 3  
\p
\v 1-2 The LORD did not force all the other nations to leave Israel’s land. He wanted to test the Israelites. None of the Israelites living at this time had fought in the wars to take the land of Canaan. So he let those other nations stay in their country. (He did this to teach the Israelites who had not fought in those wars.) These are the nations the Lord left in the land: 
\v 3 \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w rulers|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* Sidon, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Hivites|strong="H2340"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* Baal Hermon \w to|strong="H0935"\w* Lebo \w Hamath|strong="H2574"\w*. 
\v 4 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H1961"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* nations \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w test|strong="H5254"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w see|strong="H3045"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w obey|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w commands|strong="H6680"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*. 
\p
\v 5 \w The|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w*, \w Hittites|strong="H2850"\w*, \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*, \w Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*, \w Hivites|strong="H2340"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w*. 
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites began \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* own \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w also|strong="H0853"\w* began \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w worship|strong="H5647"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\s1 Othniel, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* First Judge 
\p
\v 7 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* saw \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w things|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w forgot|strong="H7911"\w* about \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w served|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* false \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w*. 
\v 8 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H3027"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w allowed|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Cushan Rishathaim \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aram Naharaim\f + \fr 3:8  \fk Aram Naharaim \ft The area in northern Syria between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.\f* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* defeat \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w rule|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w under|strong="H3027"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w rule|strong="H3027"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 9 \w But|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* sent \w a|strong="H4480"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* named \w Othniel|strong="H6274"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kenaz|strong="H7073"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w Caleb’s|strong="H3612"\w* \w younger|strong="H6996"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w*. \w Othniel|strong="H6274"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 10 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* filled Othniel, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w led|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* Othniel \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Cushan Rishathaim \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w*. 
\v 11 \w So|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w at|strong="H4191"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, until \w Othniel|strong="H6274"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kenaz|strong="H7073"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\s1 Ehud, \w the|strong="H0776"\w* Judge 
\p
\v 12 \w Again|strong="H3254"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w things|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* considered \w evil|strong="H7451"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* saw \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* these \w things|strong="H3478"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Eglon|strong="H5700"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w* \w power|strong="H2388"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* defeat \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 13 Eglon got help \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amalekites|strong="H6002"\w*. \w They|strong="H5221"\w* joined \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. Eglon \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5221"\w* \w army|strong="H0622"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* forced \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Palm|strong="H8558"\w* \w Trees|strong="H8558"\w*.\f + \fr 3:13  \fk City of Palm Trees \ft Another name for Jericho.\f* 
\v 14 \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Eglon|strong="H5700"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H4428"\w* 18 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w*, \w so|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* named \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gera|strong="H1617"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Benjamin \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* trained \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H6965"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w gift|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Eglon|strong="H5700"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. 
\v 16 \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* himself \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* sharp \w edges|strong="H6366"\w* \w that|strong="H2719"\w* \w was|strong="H0753"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* 12 \w inches|strong="H0753"\w*\f + \fr 3:16  \fk 12 inches \ft Or 30 cm. Literally, “1 \+tl gomed\+tl*,” probably equivalent to 2/3 of a cubit.\f* \w long|strong="H0753"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* tied \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w thigh|strong="H3409"\w* \w and|strong="H2719"\w* hid \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* uniform. 
\p
\v 17 \w So|strong="H3966"\w* Ehud \w brought|strong="H7126"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gift|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H0376"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Eglon|strong="H5700"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w Eglon|strong="H5700"\w* \w was|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H7126"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w fat|strong="H1277"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*. 
\v 18 \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gift|strong="H4503"\w*, \w Ehud|strong="H3615"\w* \w left|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* palace \w with|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gift|strong="H4503"\w*. 
\v 19 \w When|strong="H0834"\w* Ehud \w reached|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* statues\f + \fr 3:19  \fk statues \ft These were probably statues of gods or animals that “protected” the entrance to the city. Also in verse 26.\f* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gilgal|strong="H1537"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Eglon|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w King|strong="H4428"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* secret \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.” 
\p \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* \w quiet|strong="H2013"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w sent|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* servants \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* room. 
\v 20 \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H3678"\w* \w Eglon|strong="H0559"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H3678"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w all|strong="H1697"\w* \w alone|strong="H0905"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room|strong="H5944"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* palace. 
\p \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.” \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H3678"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w throne|strong="H3678"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* very close \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w*. 
\v 21 \w As|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H3027"\w* getting \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* throne,\f + \fr 3:21  \fk He was very close … throne \ft This section of the text is found in the ancient Greek version but not in the standard Hebrew text.\f* \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w reached|strong="H7971"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w out|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w that|strong="H3027"\w* \w was|strong="H3027"\w* tied \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w thigh|strong="H3409"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* pushed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* king’s \w belly|strong="H0990"\w*. 
\v 22 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* Eglon’s \w belly|strong="H0990"\w* \w so|strong="H3808"\w* far \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w even|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w handle|strong="H5325"\w* \w sank|strong="H3318"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w fat|strong="H2459"\w* \w closed|strong="H5462"\w* \w around|strong="H0310"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* point \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w blade|strong="H3851"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0310"\w*. \w Ehud|strong="H3808"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w inside|strong="H0990"\w* Eglon. 
\p
\v 23 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1817"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* private \w room|strong="H5944"\w*, \w closed|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room|strong="H5944"\w*, \w and|strong="H3318"\w* \w locked|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* king inside. 
\v 24 Ehud \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* main \w room|strong="H2315"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* found \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room|strong="H2315"\w* locked, \w so|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* king \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w be|strong="H0389"\w* relieving \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* private toilet.” 
\v 25 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* servants waited \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w* \w time|strong="H5704"\w*, \w but|strong="H0369"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* king \w never|strong="H0369"\w* \w opened|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w upper|strong="H5944"\w* \w room|strong="H5944"\w*. \w Finally|strong="H5704"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* servants \w got|strong="H3947"\w* worried. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w got|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w key|strong="H4668"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* unlocked \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*. \w When|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* servants \w entered|strong="H5704"\w*, \w they|strong="H5704"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* \w their|strong="H3947"\w* king \w lying|strong="H5307"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w on|strong="H5307"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w floor|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\p
\v 26 \w While|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* servants were \w waiting|strong="H5704"\w* \w for|strong="H1931"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* king, \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w had|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w escape|strong="H4422"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w by|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* statues \w and|strong="H0853"\w* went \w toward|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* place named \w Seirah|strong="H8167"\w*. 
\v 27 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Ehud \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* Seirah, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* heard \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* Ehud \w leading|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H3381"\w*. 
\v 28 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites, “\w Follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*! \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*.” 
\p \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Ehud|strong="H3808"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w take|strong="H3920"\w* \w control|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w places|strong="H0559"\w* \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w could|strong="H0376"\w* easily \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H3588"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w any|strong="H0376"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w* \w across|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\v 29 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w about|strong="H5221"\w* 10,000 \w strong|strong="H2428"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w Not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w Moabite|strong="H4124"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w escaped|strong="H4422"\w*. 
\v 30 \w So|strong="H3027"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* began \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w rule|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H8478"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w for|strong="H8478"\w* 80 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\s1 Shamgar, \w the|strong="H3117"\w* Judge 
\p
\v 31 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Ehud|strong="H8044"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, \w another|strong="H0376"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w That|strong="H1931"\w* \w man’s|strong="H0376"\w* name \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w Shamgar|strong="H8044"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Anath|strong="H6067"\w*.\f + \fr 3:31  \fk Anath \ft The Canaanite goddess of war. Here, this might be Shamgar’s father or mother, or it might mean “Shamgar the great soldier” or “Shamgar from the town of Anath.”\f* \w Shamgar|strong="H8044"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w ox|strong="H1241"\w* goad \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w kill|strong="H5221"\w* 600 \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*. 
\c 4  
\s1 Deborah, the Judge 
\p
\v 1 After \w Ehud|strong="H0164"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* said \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. 
\v 2 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w allowed|strong="H3068"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jabin|strong="H2985"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3667"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* defeat \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites. \w Jabin|strong="H2985"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* named \w Hazor|strong="H2674"\w*. \w A|strong="H0834"\w* man named \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jabin’s|strong="H2985"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*. \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* town called Harosheth Haggoyim. 
\v 3 \w Sisera|strong="H8672"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* 900 \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* very cruel \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w So|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w cried|strong="H6817"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* help. 
\p
\v 4 There \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* prophet named \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H0802"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* man named \w Lappidoth|strong="H3941"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w of|strong="H0802"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*. 
\v 5 \w One|strong="H1931"\w* day \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Palm|strong="H8560"\w* \w Tree|strong="H8560"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* ask \w what|strong="H4941"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* do \w about|strong="H0413"\w* Sisera. (\w The|strong="H0413"\w* \w Palm|strong="H8560"\w* \w Tree|strong="H8560"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* cities \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*.) 
\v 6 Deborah \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w message|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* come meet \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* \w Abinoam|strong="H0042"\w*. \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* lived \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kedesh|strong="H6943"\w*, \w which|strong="H2022"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w area|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*. Deborah \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w commands|strong="H6680"\w* \w you|strong="H6680"\w*: ‘\w Go|strong="H7971"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* gather 10,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*. \w Lead|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Tabor|strong="H8396"\w*. 
\v 7 \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* King \w Jabin’s|strong="H2985"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w*, \w come|strong="H6635"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*, \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* \w come|strong="H6635"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Kishon|strong="H7028"\w* \w River|strong="H5158"\w*.\f + \fr 4:7  \fk Kishon River \ft A river about ten miles from Mount Tabor.\f* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* help \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* there.’” 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Deborah, “\w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w do|strong="H0518"\w* \w this|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*, \w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w*.” 
\p
\v 9 “\w Of|strong="H3068"\w* \w course|strong="H1870"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*,” \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*. “\w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w attitude|strong="H8597"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* honored \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* defeated. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w allow|strong="H1980"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* defeat \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*.” 
\p \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Kedesh|strong="H6943"\w*. 
\v 10 \w At|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Kedesh|strong="H6943"\w*, \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w called|strong="H2199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w* \w together|strong="H2199"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* gathered 10,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0376"\w* \w follow|strong="H7272"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* these tribes, \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 11 \w There|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* named \w Heber|strong="H2268"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Kenites|strong="H7017"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w Kenites|strong="H7017"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moses’|strong="H4872"\w* \w father-in-law|strong="H2859"\w*,\f + \fr 4:11  \fk father-in-law \ft Or possibly, “son-in-law.”\f* \w Hobab|strong="H2246"\w*. \w Heber|strong="H2268"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H5186"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* other \w Kenites|strong="H7017"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w* \w by|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w oak|strong="H0436"\w* tree \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zaanannim|strong="H6815"\w*, \w near|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kedesh|strong="H6943"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 Someone \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abinoam|strong="H0042"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w at|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Tabor|strong="H8396"\w*. 
\v 13 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* gathered \w his|strong="H3605"\w* 900 \w iron|strong="H1270"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* marched \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H3605"\w* Harosheth Haggoyim \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Kishon|strong="H7028"\w* \w River|strong="H5158"\w*. 
\p
\v 14 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w*, “\w Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w help|strong="H6965"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*. \w Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* know \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* already cleared \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w way|strong="H2088"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*.” \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 10,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Tabor|strong="H8396"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* attacked \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*. \w During|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* battle, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w confused|strong="H2000"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* did not know \w what|strong="H6310"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w do|strong="H3381"\w*. \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* defeated \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w*, \w but|strong="H5127"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w left|strong="H3381"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w foot|strong="H7272"\w*. 
\v 16 \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* continued fighting \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w and|strong="H2719"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w chariots|strong="H7393"\w* \w and|strong="H2719"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* Harosheth Haggoyim. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w kill|strong="H2719"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H6310"\w* \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w*. \w Not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H6310"\w* \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* \w left|strong="H7604"\w* \w alive|strong="H7604"\w*. 
\p
\v 17 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w where|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* named \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w* lived. \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Heber|strong="H2268"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Kenite|strong="H7017"\w*. \w His|strong="H3588"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jabin|strong="H2985"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Hazor|strong="H2674"\w*. \w That|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* \w why|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Jael’s \w tent|strong="H0168"\w*. 
\v 18 \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w* saw \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w coming|strong="H3318"\w*, \w so|strong="H3318"\w* she \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H3318"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Sir|strong="H0113"\w*, \w come|strong="H3318"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H3318"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w*. \w Come|strong="H3318"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H0408"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*.” \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* Jael’s \w tent|strong="H0168"\w*, \w and|strong="H3318"\w* she \w covered|strong="H3680"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3318"\w* blanket. 
\p
\v 19 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* first, Sisera \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* Jael \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w drink|strong="H8248"\w* \w of|strong="H4325"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*. Jael \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w some|strong="H4592"\w* \w milk|strong="H2461"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w bottle|strong="H4997"\w* \w made|strong="H3680"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* animal skin. \w So|strong="H3588"\w* \w she|strong="H3588"\w* \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w drink|strong="H8248"\w* \w of|strong="H4325"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w milk|strong="H2461"\w* \w and|strong="H2461"\w* \w then|strong="H0853"\w* \w covered|strong="H3680"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w up|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* Sisera \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Jael, “\w Go|strong="H0935"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w comes|strong="H0935"\w* \w by|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w asks|strong="H7592"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w*, ‘\w Is|strong="H0369"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w*?’ \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w No|strong="H0369"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 21 \w But|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w* found \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* hammer. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* quietly \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Sisera. Sisera \w was|strong="H0776"\w* very \w tired|strong="H5774"\w*, \w so|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* sleeping. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w side|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Sisera’s head \w and|strong="H0935"\w* hit \w it|strong="H7760"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* hammer. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w through|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w side|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* head \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w*. Sisera \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w Just|strong="H0834"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w by|strong="H0413"\w* Jael’s \w tent|strong="H3489"\w*, \w looking|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*. \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w here|strong="H2009"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w show|strong="H7200"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w looking|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w*.” \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tent|strong="H3489"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w*. \w There|strong="H2009"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* found \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w lying|strong="H5307"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* ground, \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tent|strong="H3489"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w* \w through|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* side \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w head|strong="H5307"\w*. 
\p
\v 23 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* defeated \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jabin|strong="H2985"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3667"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 24 \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w became|strong="H1980"\w* stronger \w and|strong="H1980"\w* stronger \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* defeated \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Jabin|strong="H2985"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3667"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w finally|strong="H5704"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H3772"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\c 5  
\s1 The Song of Deborah 
\p
\v 1  \f + \fr 5:1  \fk Chapter 5 \ft This is a very old song, and many of the lines are hard to understand in the Hebrew text.\f* \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelites defeated Sisera, \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abinoam|strong="H0042"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w song|strong="H7891"\w*: 
\b
\q1
\v 2 “\w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* prepared \w for|strong="H3068"\w* battle.\f + \fr 5:2  \fk The men … battle \ft This might also mean “When leaders led in Israel” or “When men wore long hair in Israel.” Soldiers often dedicated their hair as a special gift to God.\f* 
\q2 \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w volunteered|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* go \w to|strong="H3068"\w* war. 
\q1 \w Praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*! 
\b
\q1
\v 3 “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w*, \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\q2 \w Pay|strong="H8085"\w* \w attention|strong="H8085"\w*, \w rulers|strong="H7336"\w*. 
\q1 \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w sing|strong="H2167"\w*. 
\q2 \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w myself|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w sing|strong="H2167"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\q1 \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H8085"\w* music \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, 
\q2 \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\b
\q1
\v 4 “\w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* past \w you|strong="H0776"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Seir|strong="H8165"\w*.\f + \fr 5:4  \fk Seir \ft Another name for the land of Edom.\f* 
\q2 \w You|strong="H0776"\w* \w marched|strong="H6805"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w*. 
\q1 \w You|strong="H0776"\w* \w marched|strong="H6805"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w earth|strong="H0776"\w* \w shook|strong="H7493"\w*. 
\q2 \w The|strong="H3068"\w* skies rained. 
\q2 \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w clouds|strong="H5645"\w* \w dropped|strong="H5197"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*. 
\q1
\v 5 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w* shook \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Sinai|strong="H5514"\w*, 
\q2 \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*! 
\b
\q1
\v 6 “\w In|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shamgar|strong="H8044"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Anath|strong="H6067"\w*,\f + \fr 5:6  \fk Shamgar son of Anath \ft A judge of Israel. See Judges 3:31.\f* 
\q2 \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w*, \w the|strong="H3117"\w* main roads \w were|strong="H1121"\w* empty. 
\q2 \w Caravans|strong="H0734"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w travelers|strong="H1980"\w* \w traveled|strong="H1980"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w back|strong="H1980"\w* roads. 
\b
\q1
\v 7 “\w There|strong="H5704"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w no|strong="H2308"\w* soldiers \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* 
\q2 \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w you|strong="H5704"\w* came, \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w*, 
\q2 \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w you|strong="H5704"\w* came \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H5704"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.\f + \fr 5:7  \fk until you … to Israel \ft Or “until I came, Deborah, until I came, mother of Israel.” Or “until I established you, Deborah, until I established you, mother of Israel.”\f* 
\b
\q1
\v 8 “\w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w chose|strong="H0977"\w* \w new|strong="H2319"\w* leaders 
\q2 \w to|strong="H3478"\w* fight \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*.\f + \fr 5:8  \fk God chose … gates \ft Or “They chose to follow new gods. So they had to fight at their city gates.” The Hebrew text here is hard to understand.\f* 
\q1 \w No|strong="H0518"\w* \w one|strong="H0518"\w* could \w find|strong="H7200"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w shield|strong="H4043"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w spear|strong="H7420"\w* 
\q2 \w among|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* 40,000 soldiers \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\b
\q1
\v 9 “\w My|strong="H3068"\w* \w heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w commanders|strong="H2710"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\q2 \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w volunteered|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* go \w to|strong="H3068"\w* war. 
\q1 \w Praise|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*! 
\b
\q1
\v 10 “Pay \w attention|strong="H1870"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w riding|strong="H7392"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w white|strong="H6715"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H0860"\w*, 
\q2 \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w saddle|strong="H3427"\w* blankets,\f + \fr 5:10  \fk saddle blankets \ft The meaning of this Hebrew word is uncertain.\f* 
\q2 \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w walking|strong="H1980"\w* \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w road|strong="H1870"\w*. 
\q1
\v 11 \w At|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w watering|strong="H4857"\w* holes \w for|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* animals, 
\q2 \w we|strong="H8033"\w* \w hear|strong="H6963"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* music \w of|strong="H3068"\w* cymbals. 
\q1 \w People|strong="H5971"\w* sing \w about|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* victories \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, 
\q2 \w the|strong="H3068"\w* victories \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* 
\q1 \w when|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD’S|strong="H3068"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* 
\q2 fought \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* won! 
\b
\q1
\v 12 “\w Wake|strong="H5782"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*, \w wake|strong="H5782"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*, \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w*! 
\q2 \w Wake|strong="H5782"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*, \w wake|strong="H5782"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*, \w sing|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H1696"\w* \w song|strong="H7892"\w*! 
\q1 \w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*, \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w*! 
\q2 \w Go|strong="H6965"\w* \w capture|strong="H7617"\w* \w your|strong="H6965"\w* \w enemies|strong="H6965"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abinoam|strong="H0042"\w*! 
\b
\q1
\v 13 “\w Now|strong="H0227"\w*, \w survivors|strong="H8300"\w*, go \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* leaders. 
\q2 \w People|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, come \w with|strong="H3068"\w* me \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\b
\q1
\v 14 “\w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H7626"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w came|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* hill country \w of|strong="H7626"\w* \w Amalek|strong="H6002"\w*.\f + \fr 5:14  \fk hill country of Amalek \ft The area settled by the tribe of Ephraim. See Judges 12:15.\f* 
\q2 \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w those|strong="H4480"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w you|strong="H4480"\w* \w and|strong="H3381"\w* \w your|strong="H4480"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\q1 \w And|strong="H3381"\w* there \w were|strong="H0669"\w* \w commanders|strong="H2710"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* family \w of|strong="H7626"\w* \w Makir|strong="H4353"\w*.\f + \fr 5:14  \fk Makir \ft This family was part of the tribe of Manasseh that settled in the area east of the Jordan River.\f* 
\q2 \w Leaders|strong="H2710"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H7626"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w came|strong="H3381"\w* \w with|strong="H3381"\w* \w their|strong="H0310"\w* bronze clubs. 
\q1
\v 15 \w The|strong="H7971"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Issachar|strong="H3485"\w* \w were|strong="H7272"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Deborah|strong="H1683"\w*. 
\q2 \w The|strong="H7971"\w* family \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Issachar|strong="H3485"\w* \w was|strong="H3820"\w* \w true|strong="H3651"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w Barak|strong="H1301"\w*. 
\q2 \w Those|strong="H5973"\w* \w men|strong="H1419"\w* \w marched|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w on|strong="H7971"\w* \w foot|strong="H7272"\w*. 
\b
\q1 “\w Reuben|strong="H7205"\w*, there \w are|strong="H7272"\w* \w many|strong="H1419"\w* brave soldiers \w in|strong="H1419"\w* \w your|strong="H7971"\w* \w army|strong="H6010"\w* groups. 
\q2
\v 16 \w So|strong="H3427"\w* \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H4100"\w* \w sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w* \w against|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* walls \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* sheep pens?\f + \fr 5:16  \fk walls of your sheep pens \ft Or “campfires” or “saddlebags.”\f* 
\q1 \w The|strong="H8085"\w* brave soldiers \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Reuben|strong="H7205"\w* \w thought|strong="H3820"\w* \w hard|strong="H1419"\w* \w about|strong="H8085"\w* war. 
\q2 \w But|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H4100"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* home \w listening|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* music \w they|strong="H4100"\w* played \w for|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H8085"\w* sheep. 
\q1
\v 17 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*\f + \fr 5:17  \fk Gilead \ft This area was east of the Jordan River.\f* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* camps \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w other|strong="H5676"\w* \w side|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* River. 
\q2 \w As|strong="H3427"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*, \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w ships|strong="H0591"\w*? 
\q1 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Asher|strong="H0836"\w* \w remained|strong="H3427"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sea|strong="H3220"\w*, 
\q2 \w camped|strong="H7931"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* safe harbors. 
\b
\q1
\v 18 “\w But|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w and|strong="H7704"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w* risked \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w lives|strong="H5315"\w* 
\q2 fighting \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* hills. 
\q1
\v 19 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3667"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w*, 
\q2 \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w carry|strong="H3947"\w* \w any|strong="H3808"\w* treasures home. 
\q1 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* city \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Taanach|strong="H8590"\w*, 
\q2 \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w waters|strong="H4325"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Megiddo|strong="H4023"\w*. 
\q1
\v 20 \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w stars|strong="H3556"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w them|strong="H4480"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*. 
\q2 \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H4480"\w* paths across \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w*, \w they|strong="H4546"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*. 
\q1
\v 21 \w The|strong="H1869"\w* \w Kishon|strong="H7028"\w* \w River|strong="H5158"\w*, \w that|strong="H5315"\w* \w ancient|strong="H6917"\w* \w river|strong="H5158"\w*, 
\q2 \w swept|strong="H1640"\w* Sisera’s men \w away|strong="H1640"\w*. 
\q1 \w My|strong="H5315"\w* \w soul|strong="H5315"\w*, \w march|strong="H1869"\w* \w on|strong="H1869"\w* \w with|strong="H5315"\w* \w strength|strong="H5797"\w*!\f + \fr 5:21  \fk My soul … strength \ft Or with some changes it could be, “His mighty charging horses marched forward.”\f* 
\q1
\v 22 \w The|strong="H0227"\w* horses’ \w hooves|strong="H6119"\w* hammered \w the|strong="H0227"\w* ground. 
\q2 Sisera’s \w mighty|strong="H0047"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w* ran and ran. 
\b
\q1
\v 23 “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Curse|strong="H0779"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Meroz|strong="H4789"\w*. 
\q2 \w Curse|strong="H0779"\w* \w its|strong="H0935"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w*! 
\q1 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w help|strong="H5833"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* fight.’ 
\q2 \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w help|strong="H5833"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w against|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w powerful|strong="H1368"\w* enemies. 
\q1
\v 24 \w Jael|strong="H3278"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w the|strong="H1288"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H0168"\w* \w Heber|strong="H2268"\w* \w the|strong="H1288"\w* \w Kenite|strong="H7017"\w*. 
\q2 She \w will|strong="H0802"\w* \w be|strong="H1288"\w* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* above \w all|strong="H1288"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w*. 
\q1
\v 25 Sisera \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w for|strong="H4325"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*. 
\q2 Jael \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w milk|strong="H2461"\w*. 
\q1 \w In|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w bowl|strong="H5602"\w* fit \w for|strong="H4325"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* ruler, 
\q2 \w she|strong="H5602"\w* \w brought|strong="H7126"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* cream. 
\q1
\v 26 \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* Jael \w reached|strong="H7971"\w* \w out|strong="H7971"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* took \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w tent|strong="H3489"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w*. 
\q2 \w Her|strong="H7971"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w reached|strong="H7971"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* workman’s \w hammer|strong="H1989"\w*. 
\q1 She \w put|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w* \w against|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* 
\q2 \w and|strong="H3027"\w* hit \w it|strong="H7971"\w* \w with|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H7971"\w* \w hammer|strong="H1989"\w*. 
\q1
\v 27 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w sank|strong="H3766"\w* \w down|strong="H7901"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* Jael’s \w feet|strong="H7272"\w*. 
\q2 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w*, \w and|strong="H8033"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w lay|strong="H7901"\w*. 
\q1 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w sank|strong="H3766"\w* \w down|strong="H7901"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w her|strong="H0996"\w* \w feet|strong="H7272"\w*. 
\q2 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\q1 \w Where|strong="H0834"\w* Sisera \w sank|strong="H3766"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w*, 
\q2 \w and|strong="H8033"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w lay|strong="H7901"\w*, \w dead|strong="H7703"\w*! 
\b
\q1
\v 28 “There \w is|strong="H0935"\w* \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*, looking \w out|strong="H8259"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w window|strong="H2474"\w*, 
\q2 looking \w through|strong="H1157"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* curtains \w and|strong="H0935"\w* crying. 
\q1 ‘\w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w is|strong="H0935"\w* \w Sisera’s|strong="H5516"\w* \w chariot|strong="H4818"\w* \w so|strong="H0935"\w* \w late|strong="H0309"\w*? 
\q2 \w Why|strong="H4069"\w* can’t \w I|strong="H6471"\w* hear \w his|strong="H0935"\w* wagons?’ 
\b
\q1
\v 29 “\w Her|strong="H7725"\w* \w wisest|strong="H2450"\w* servant girl \w answers|strong="H0559"\w* \w her|strong="H7725"\w*. 
\q2 \w Yes|strong="H0637"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* servant \w gives|strong="H7725"\w* \w her|strong="H7725"\w* \w an|strong="H7725"\w* \w answer|strong="H6030"\w*: 
\q1
\v 30 ‘I’m sure \w they|strong="H3808"\w* won \w the|strong="H3808"\w* war, 
\q2 \w and|strong="H7218"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w are|strong="H7356"\w* now taking \w things|strong="H7218"\w* \w from|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3808"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* defeated. 
\q1 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w are|strong="H7356"\w* \w dividing|strong="H2505"\w* those \w things|strong="H7218"\w* \w among|strong="H4672"\w* \w themselves|strong="H7218"\w*. 
\q2 Each soldier \w is|strong="H7218"\w* taking \w a|strong="H4672"\w* girl \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w two|strong="H3808"\w*. 
\q1 Maybe \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* piece \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w dyed|strong="H6648"\w* \w cloth|strong="H7553"\w*. 
\q2 That’s \w it|strong="H4672"\w*! \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* piece \w of|strong="H7218"\w* fancy \w cloth|strong="H7553"\w*, 
\q2 \w or|strong="H3808"\w* maybe \w two|strong="H3808"\w*, \w to|strong="H3808"\w* wear around \w his|strong="H3808"\w* \w neck|strong="H6677"\w* \w in|strong="H4672"\w* victory.’ 
\b
\q1
\v 31 “\w May|strong="H0776"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* \w die|strong="H0006"\w* \w like|strong="H3651"\w* \w this|strong="H3651"\w*, \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*! 
\q2 \w But|strong="H3651"\w* \w may|strong="H0776"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w love|strong="H0157"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w strong|strong="H1369"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rising|strong="H3318"\w* \w sun|strong="H8121"\w*!” 
\b
\p \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\c 6  
\s1 The Midianites Fight Israel 
\p
\v 1 Again \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* said \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\p
\v 2 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* very powerful \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* cruel \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* many hiding places \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* hid \w their|strong="H5921"\w* food \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w caves|strong="H4631"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* places \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* hard \w to|strong="H5921"\w* find. 
\v 3 \w They|strong="H0518"\w* did \w that|strong="H1961"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amalekites|strong="H6002"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w east|strong="H6924"\w* always \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* destroyed \w their|strong="H5921"\w* crops. 
\v 4 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H7843"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w crops|strong="H2981"\w* \w that|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* planted. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w ruined|strong="H7843"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w crops|strong="H2981"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Gaza|strong="H5804"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w leave|strong="H7604"\w* \w anything|strong="H3808"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* eat. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w even|strong="H5704"\w* \w leave|strong="H7604"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w any|strong="H3808"\w* \w sheep|strong="H7716"\w*, \w cattle|strong="H7794"\w*, \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*. 
\v 5 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* Midianites \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* families, animals, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w tents|strong="H0168"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H1992"\w* \w like|strong="H0776"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* swarm \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w locusts|strong="H0697"\w*! \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w were|strong="H1992"\w* too \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w count|strong="H4557"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w ruined|strong="H7843"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\v 6 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* became \w very|strong="H3966"\w* poor \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. \w So|strong="H3966"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* help. 
\p
\v 7  \f + \fr 6:7  \ft These verses do not appear in the oldest Hebrew copy of the book of Judges, the Dead Sea Scroll fragment, 4QJudgesA.\f* \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* did all these bad \w things|strong="H1961"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* help. 
\v 8 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H3541"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="H7971"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w made|strong="H5927"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w free|strong="H7971"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* land. 
\v 9 \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w saved|strong="H5337"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* powerful \w Egyptians|strong="H4713"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Canaanites hurt \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w saved|strong="H5337"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w again|strong="H6440"\w*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* leave \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w And|strong="H0776"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*.’ 
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w worship|strong="H3372"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* false \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*.’ \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obey|strong="H8085"\w* \w me|strong="H6963"\w*.” 
\s1 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Angel \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* Visits \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* 
\p
\v 11-12 One time the angel of the LORD came to a place called Ophrah and sat under an oak tree. This oak tree belonged to a man named Joash from the Abiezer family. His son Gideon was beating some wheat\f + \fr 6:11-12  \fk beating some wheat \ft That is, separating the grains of wheat from the hulls. Usually this is done near the top of a hill.\f* in a winepress. He was hiding so that the Midianites could not see the wheat. The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD be with you, brave soldier.” 
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="H6258"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “Pardon \w me|strong="H0413"\w*, \w sir|strong="H0113"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*, \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w having|strong="H3808"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w many|strong="H4100"\w* troubles? \w We|strong="H0834"\w* heard \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H4100"\w* \w wonderful|strong="H6381"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w ancestors|strong="H0001"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w took|strong="H5927"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w out|strong="H4100"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w seems|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H5203"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* letting \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 14 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w use|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* great \w power|strong="H3581"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. \w I|strong="H2088"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w sending|strong="H7971"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p
\v 15 \w But|strong="H2009"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “Pardon \w me|strong="H0413"\w*, sir.\f + \fr 6:15  \fk sir \ft Or “LORD,” a title for God.\f* \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w can|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*? \w My|strong="H3467"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* group \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* weakest \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w am|strong="H0595"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w youngest|strong="H6810"\w* \w one|strong="H6810"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H3467"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*.” 
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H0376"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* easily \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w if|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w only|strong="H0259"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*.” 
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w*, \w please|strong="H4994"\w* \w give|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* some proof \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w really|strong="H0559"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Lord. 
\v 18 \w Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w wait|strong="H3427"\w* \w here|strong="H2088"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w my|strong="H7725"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w set|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H7725"\w* \w down|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*.” 
\p \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Lord \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H5704"\w* \w wait|strong="H3427"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w*.” 
\p
\v 19 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* cooked \w a|strong="H7760"\w* \w young|strong="H1423"\w* \w goat|strong="H5795"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* boiling water. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w about|strong="H0413"\w* 20 pounds\f + \fr 6:19  \fk 20 pounds \ft Literally, “1 ephah” (22 l).\f* \w of|strong="H8478"\w* \w flour|strong="H7058"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w bread|strong="H4682"\w* without yeast. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H7760"\w* \w basket|strong="H5536"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w broth|strong="H4839"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H7760"\w* \w pot|strong="H6517"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w meat|strong="H1320"\w*, \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w broth|strong="H4839"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w bread|strong="H4682"\w* without yeast \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w gave|strong="H7760"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* Lord \w under|strong="H8478"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w oak|strong="H0424"\w* tree. 
\p
\v 20 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Put|strong="H3240"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H3651"\w* \w rock|strong="H5553"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w there|strong="H1975"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w pour|strong="H8210"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w broth|strong="H4839"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w it|strong="H3651"\w*.” \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H3651"\w* \w he|strong="H3651"\w* \w was|strong="H0430"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w*. 
\p
\v 21 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H7971"\w* \w walking|strong="H1980"\w* stick \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w touched|strong="H5060"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bread|strong="H4682"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w end|strong="H7097"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* stick, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* jumped \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w rock|strong="H6697"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* burned \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w meat|strong="H1320"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bread|strong="H4682"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w disappeared|strong="H5869"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="H3651"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w realized|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3068"\w* talking \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* shouted, “\w Oh|strong="H0162"\w*, \w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w GOD|strong="H3068"\w*! \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w face|strong="H6440"\w*!” 
\p
\v 23 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*, “Calm down!\f + \fr 6:23  \fk Calm down \ft Literally, “Peace.”\f* \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*! \w You|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*!”\f + \fr 6:23  \fk You will not die \ft Gideon thought he would die because he had seen the LORD face to face.\f* 
\p
\v 24 \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w an|strong="H1129"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w worship|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* \w it|strong="H7121"\w* “\w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w Peace|strong="H7965"\w*.” \w It|strong="H7121"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* stands \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Ophrah|strong="H6084"\w*, \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* Abiezer family lives. 
\s1 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* Tears \w Down|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Baal 
\p
\v 25 \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Choose|strong="H3947"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* best \w bull|strong="H6499"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w one|strong="H1931"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H8141"\w*.\f + \fr 6:25  \fk Choose … seven years old \ft This translation follows one ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has “Take the bull of the bull[s], the second bull, the seven-year-old one.” Adding different vowels to the Hebrew text gives a meaning similar to that in the translation above.\f* First, \w use|strong="H1931"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w pull|strong="H2040"\w* \w down|strong="H3772"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* built \w to|strong="H0559"\w* worship \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*. \w Also|strong="H3068"\w*, \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w down|strong="H3772"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* pole \w beside|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\v 26 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w right|strong="H1129"\w* kind \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Build|strong="H1129"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* high ground. \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w kill|strong="H3772"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w burn|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bull|strong="H6499"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w Use|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wood|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* pole \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w burn|strong="H5927"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w*.” 
\p
\v 27 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w told|strong="H1696"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w might|strong="H3068"\w* \w see|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w it|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H0376"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w*, \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w daytime|strong="H3119"\w*. 
\p
\v 28 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w got|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H3772"\w*! \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* pole \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* sitting \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* Gideon \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w*. \w And|strong="H0376"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bull|strong="H6499"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\p
\v 29 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w looked|strong="H1245"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w other|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Who|strong="H4310"\w* pulled down \w our|strong="H2088"\w* altar? \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* cut down \w our|strong="H2088"\w* Asherah pole? \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* sacrificed \w this|strong="H2088"\w* bull \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* new altar?” \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* many \w questions|strong="H1697"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w tried|strong="H1245"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* learn \w who|strong="H4310"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w*. 
\p \w Someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w*.” 
\p
\v 30 \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w bring|strong="H3318"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Asherah|strong="H0842"\w* pole \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w beside|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*.” 
\p
\v 31 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* crowd \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Are|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* going \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w take|strong="H5975"\w* Baal’s side? \w Are|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* going \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w rescue|strong="H3467"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*? \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w takes|strong="H5975"\w* Baal’s side, let \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* \w put|strong="H4191"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w really|strong="H0559"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w*, let \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w defend|strong="H5975"\w* \w himself|strong="H1931"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w someone|strong="H4191"\w* pulls \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*.” 
\v 32 Joash \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5422"\w* Baal’s \w altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w*, let \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w argue|strong="H7378"\w* \w with|strong="H3117"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.” \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* Joash \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* new \w name|strong="H0559"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jerub-Baal|strong="H3378"\w*.\f + \fr 6:32  \fk Jerub-Baal \ft This is like the Hebrew words meaning “Let Baal argue.” The same verb is translated “take one’s side” and “defend” in verse 31.\f* 
\s1 \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* Defeats \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Midianites 
\p
\v 33 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*, \w Amalekites|strong="H6002"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w east|strong="H6924"\w* joined \w together|strong="H3162"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* fight \w against|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* went \w across|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Jordan River \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jezreel|strong="H3157"\w* \w Valley|strong="H6010"\w*. 
\v 34 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* filled \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*. \w So|strong="H0853"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w call|strong="H2199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* family \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Abiezer|strong="H0044"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 35 \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H2199"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* told \w them|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w get|strong="H5927"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* weapons \w and|strong="H7971"\w* prepare \w for|strong="H7971"\w* battle. \w Gideon|strong="H7971"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Asher|strong="H0836"\w*, \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w took|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* message \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w*. \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w they|strong="H0310"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H7971"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\p
\v 36 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Give|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* proof. 
\v 37 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w put|strong="H3322"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* sheepskin \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w threshing|strong="H1637"\w* \w floor|strong="H1637"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w there|strong="H2009"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w dew|strong="H2919"\w* \w only|strong="H0905"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sheepskin, \w while|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w dry|strong="H2721"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w use|strong="H1961"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H1696"\w*.” 
\p
\v 38 \w And|strong="H7925"\w* \w that|strong="H3651"\w* \w is|strong="H3651"\w* \w exactly|strong="H3651"\w* \w what|strong="H3651"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w*. Gideon \w got|strong="H7925"\w* \w up|strong="H7925"\w* \w early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w next|strong="H4283"\w* \w morning|strong="H4283"\w* \w and|strong="H7925"\w* \w squeezed|strong="H2115"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* sheepskin. \w He|strong="H3651"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* able \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w drain|strong="H4680"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w bowl|strong="H5602"\w* \w full|strong="H4393"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w it|strong="H4393"\w*. 
\p
\v 39 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, “\w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w just|strong="H0389"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w more|strong="H6471"\w* \w thing|strong="H4994"\w*. \w Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w test|strong="H5254"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w more|strong="H6471"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sheepskin. \w This|strong="H6471"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w* \w let|strong="H4994"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sheepskin \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w dry|strong="H2721"\w*, \w while|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* gets wet \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w dew|strong="H2919"\w*.” 
\p
\v 40 \w That|strong="H3605"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w very|strong="H3651"\w* \w thing|strong="H3651"\w*. \w Just|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* sheepskin \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w dry|strong="H2721"\w*, \w but|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* wet \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w dew|strong="H2919"\w*. 
\c 7  
\p
\v 1 \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w morning|strong="H7925"\w* \w Jerub-Baal|strong="H3378"\w* (\w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*) \w and|strong="H7925"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w set|strong="H0834"\w* \w up|strong="H7925"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w at|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* spring \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Harod. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w at|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* bottom \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hill|strong="H1389"\w* called \w Moreh|strong="H4176"\w*, \w north|strong="H6828"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w and|strong="H7925"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. 
\p
\v 2 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* going \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*, \w but|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w too|strong="H5921"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* don’t want \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* forget \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w brag|strong="H6286"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w themselves|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 3 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w make|strong="H7725"\w* \w an|strong="H4480"\w* announcement \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w your|strong="H7725"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*, ‘Anyone \w who|strong="H4310"\w* \w is|strong="H4310"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3373"\w* \w may|strong="H4994"\w* \w leave|strong="H7604"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w go|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H7725"\w*.’” 
\p \w At|strong="H7725"\w* \w that|strong="H4480"\w* \w time|strong="H6258"\w* 22,000 \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w left|strong="H7604"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H7725"\w*, \w but|strong="H6258"\w* 10,000 \w still|strong="H7725"\w* \w remained|strong="H7604"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*, “\w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w still|strong="H5750"\w* \w too|strong="H7227"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Take|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w test|strong="H6884"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w If|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w man|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*,’ \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*,’ \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w*.” 
\p
\v 5 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* led \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*. \w There|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Separate|strong="H0905"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w*: \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* using \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w tongue|strong="H3956"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w lap|strong="H1290"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* \w dog|strong="H3611"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* group. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* bend \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* group.” 
\p
\v 6 \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w bring|strong="H1961"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w mouth|strong="H6310"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w lapped|strong="H3952"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* dog does. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* bent \w down|strong="H3766"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*. 
\v 7 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* use \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w lapped|strong="H3952"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* water \w like|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* dog. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* use \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. \w Let|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* go \w home|strong="H4725"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H7971"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* kept \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w him|strong="H7971"\w*. \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* kept \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w supplies|strong="H6720"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w* \w home|strong="H0168"\w*. 
\p \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* camped \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w valley|strong="H6010"\w* \w below|strong="H8478"\w* Gideon’s \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. 
\v 9 \w During|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Midianite \w army|strong="H4264"\w*. \w Go|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. 
\v 10 \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H0859"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3373"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w* alone, \w take|strong="H3381"\w* \w your|strong="H0518"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w Purah|strong="H6513"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. \w Go|strong="H3381"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w of|strong="H4264"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* Midianites. 
\v 11 \w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w saying|strong="H1696"\w*. \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* not \w be|strong="H3027"\w* afraid \w to|strong="H0413"\w* attack \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p \w So|strong="H0834"\w* Gideon \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H8085"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w Purah|strong="H6513"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* edge \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* enemy \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. 
\v 12 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Amalekites|strong="H6002"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w east|strong="H6924"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* camped \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w valley|strong="H6010"\w*. \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w so|strong="H0369"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* seemed \w like|strong="H5307"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* swarm \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w locusts|strong="H0697"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* seemed \w like|strong="H5307"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H0369"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w as|strong="H7230"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* grains \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w sand|strong="H2344"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seashore|strong="H3220"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* enemy \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* heard \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* talking. \w That|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H0376"\w* \w telling|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w friend|strong="H7453"\w* \w about|strong="H5221"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w dream|strong="H2472"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H0376"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w dreamed|strong="H2492"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* round \w loaf|strong="H6742"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* rolling \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. \w That|strong="H0559"\w* \w loaf|strong="H6742"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w hit|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w so|strong="H0935"\w* hard \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w tent|strong="H0168"\w* \w turned|strong="H2015"\w* \w over|strong="H4605"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w flat|strong="H5307"\w*.” 
\p
\v 14 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w man’s|strong="H0376"\w* \w friend|strong="H7453"\w* knew \w the|strong="H3605"\w* meaning \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* dream. \w He|strong="H0518"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Your|strong="H3605"\w* dream \w can|strong="H0518"\w* \w only|strong="H0518"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* meaning. \w Your|strong="H3605"\w* dream \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w about|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w about|strong="H3605"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w*. \w It|strong="H5414"\w* \w means|strong="H3027"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Midian|strong="H4080"\w*.” 
\p
\v 15 \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H3478"\w* talking \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w dream|strong="H2472"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w what|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* meant, \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H8085"\w*, “\w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*! \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w help|strong="H6965"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*.” 
\v 16 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* Gideon \w divided|strong="H2673"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w into|strong="H8432"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w groups|strong="H7218"\w*. \w He|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w trumpet|strong="H7782"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w empty|strong="H7386"\w* \w jar|strong="H3537"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w burning|strong="H3940"\w* \w torch|strong="H3940"\w* \w inside|strong="H8432"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*. 
\v 17 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Watch|strong="H7200"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Follow|strong="H1961"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* edge \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* enemy \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w get|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* edge \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*, \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w exactly|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\v 18 \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w surround|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* enemy \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w me|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w blow|strong="H8628"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w*. \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w blow|strong="H8628"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w blow|strong="H8628"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w* \w too|strong="H1571"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0859"\w* shout \w these|strong="H3605"\w* words: ‘\w For|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*!’” 
\p
\v 19 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 100 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* edge \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* enemy \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w there|strong="H0834"\w* \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w after|strong="H7097"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* enemy changed \w guards|strong="H8104"\w*. \w It|strong="H8104"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w during|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w middle|strong="H8484"\w* \w watch|strong="H8104"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* night. \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H8104"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w their|strong="H0935"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* smashed \w their|strong="H0935"\w* \w jars|strong="H3537"\w*. 
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H3068"\w* all \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w groups|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Gideon’s \w men|strong="H7218"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w smashed|strong="H7665"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w jars|strong="H3537"\w*. \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w men|strong="H7218"\w* \w held|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w torches|strong="H3940"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w*. \w As|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w shouted|strong="H7121"\w*, “\w A|strong="H7121"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w for|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H7121"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w for|strong="H7121"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*!” 
\p
\v 21 Gideon’s \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w stayed|strong="H5975"\w* \w where|strong="H8478"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w*. \w But|strong="H0376"\w* inside \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Midian began \w shouting|strong="H7321"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w running|strong="H7323"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w*. 
\v 22 \w When|strong="H5704"\w* Gideon’s 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w blew|strong="H8628"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w trumpets|strong="H7782"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* caused \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Midian \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w kill|strong="H2719"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w other|strong="H7453"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* enemy \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Beth Shittah, \w which|strong="H2719"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Zererah|strong="H6888"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* border \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Abel Meholah, \w which|strong="H2719"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Tabbath|strong="H2888"\w*. 
\p
\v 23 \w Then|strong="H0310"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="H5321"\w*, \w Asher|strong="H0836"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* told \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w chase|strong="H7291"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. 
\v 24 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w through|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* attack \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. \w Take|strong="H3920"\w* control \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w river|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* Beth Barah \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w*. \w Do|strong="H3381"\w* \w this|strong="H3605"\w* \w before|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w get|strong="H7971"\w* \w there|strong="H2022"\w*.” 
\p \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w took|strong="H3920"\w* control \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w river|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* Beth Barah. 
\v 25 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* Ephraim \w caught|strong="H3920"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianite|strong="H4080"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* named \w Oreb|strong="H6159"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zeeb|strong="H2062"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Oreb|strong="H6159"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w place|strong="H0935"\w* named \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Rock|strong="H6697"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Oreb|strong="H6159"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zeeb|strong="H2062"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w place|strong="H0935"\w* named \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Winepress|strong="H3342"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Zeeb|strong="H2062"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* continued \w chasing|strong="H7291"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*, \w but|strong="H0935"\w* \w first|strong="H7218"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* cut \w off|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Oreb|strong="H6159"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zeeb|strong="H2062"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w took|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w heads|strong="H7218"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*. \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w was|strong="H7218"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w place|strong="H0935"\w* \w where|strong="H0413"\w* people cross \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* River. 
\c 8  
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* angry \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*. \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* found \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w treat|strong="H6213"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w*? \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* didn’t \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w call|strong="H7121"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*?” 
\p
\v 2 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w of|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, “\w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w have|strong="H6258"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w as|strong="H6258"\w* \w well|strong="H2896"\w* \w as|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w*. \w You|strong="H6213"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w have|strong="H6258"\w* \w a|strong="H3808"\w* \w much|strong="H4100"\w* \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w harvest|strong="H1210"\w* \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w my|strong="H6258"\w* family, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Abiezers. \w At|strong="H0413"\w* \w harvest|strong="H1210"\w* \w time|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* leave \w more|strong="H3808"\w* grapes \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* vineyard \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w my|strong="H6258"\w* family gathers! \w Isn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* true? 
\v 3 \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w same|strong="H2088"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w have|strong="H1697"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w better|strong="H3027"\w* harvest \w now|strong="H2088"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w allowed|strong="H3201"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* capture \w Oreb|strong="H6159"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w Zeeb|strong="H2062"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Midian|strong="H4080"\w*. \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w can|strong="H3201"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* compare \w my|strong="H5414"\w* success \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*?” \w When|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* Ephraim heard Gideon’s \w answer|strong="H1697"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H1697"\w* \w not|strong="H3201"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* angry \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* been. 
\s1 Gideon Captures \w Two|strong="H2088"\w* Kings \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Midian|strong="H4080"\w* 
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* 300 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* River \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w across|strong="H5674"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w other|strong="H0376"\w* \w side|strong="H3383"\w*, \w but|strong="H0376"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w tired|strong="H5889"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* hungry.\f + \fr 8:4  \fk hungry \ft This is from the ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has “chasing.”\f* 
\v 5 \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w*, “\w Give|strong="H5414"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w something|strong="H3899"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* eat. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* very \w tired|strong="H5889"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w still|strong="H0559"\w* \w chasing|strong="H0310"\w* \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w*, \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Midian|strong="H4080"\w*.” 
\p
\v 6 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H3588"\w* \w should|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* soldiers \w something|strong="H3899"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* eat? \w You|strong="H3588"\w* haven’t caught \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w* \w yet|strong="H3588"\w*.” 
\p
\v 7 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* help \w me|strong="H5414"\w* capture \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w since|strong="H3651"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* not \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w any|strong="H5414"\w* food, \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* come back \w and|strong="H3068"\w* beat \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w thorns|strong="H6975"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w briers|strong="H1303"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 Gideon \w left|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Penuel|strong="H6439"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w asked|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Penuel|strong="H6439"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* food, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w asked|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w*. \w But|strong="H6030"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Penuel|strong="H6439"\w* gave Gideon \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w same|strong="H0853"\w* \w answer|strong="H6030"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* given. 
\v 9 \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Penuel|strong="H6439"\w*, “After \w I|strong="H2088"\w* win \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w victory|strong="H1571"\w*, \w I|strong="H2088"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w come|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w here|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w pull|strong="H5422"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w*.” 
\p
\v 10 \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Karkor. \w Their|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* 15,000 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w it|strong="H1121"\w*. \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w left|strong="H3498"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w east|strong="H6924"\w*. 120,000 strong \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4264"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* already \w been|strong="H3605"\w* \w killed|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\v 11 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w and|strong="H1870"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w men|strong="H4264"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w Tent|strong="H0168"\w* Dwellers’ \w Road|strong="H1870"\w*, which \w is|strong="H1870"\w* \w east|strong="H6924"\w* \w of|strong="H0168"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* cities \w of|strong="H0168"\w* \w Nobah|strong="H5025"\w* \w and|strong="H1870"\w* \w Jogbehah|strong="H3011"\w* \w and|strong="H1870"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* enemy \w at|strong="H4264"\w* Karkor. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* enemy \w army|strong="H4264"\w* did \w not|strong="H1961"\w* expect \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w attack|strong="H5221"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w*, \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*, \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H0310"\w*. \w But|strong="H4428"\w* Gideon \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w caught|strong="H3920"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. Gideon \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* defeated \w the|strong="H3605"\w* enemy \w army|strong="H4264"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w*. \w He|strong="H4480"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w by|strong="H7725"\w* \w going|strong="H7725"\w* \w through|strong="H4480"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* mountain \w pass|strong="H7725"\w* called \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w Pass|strong="H7725"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Heres. 
\v 14 Gideon \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w a|strong="H0376"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* questions. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w down|strong="H3789"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* names \w for|strong="H0413"\w* Gideon. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w down|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* names \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* gave Gideon \w the|strong="H0853"\w* names \w of|strong="H0376"\w* 77 \w men|strong="H0376"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* city, “\w Here|strong="H2009"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* fun \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H0376"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* tired \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*? \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* caught \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w* \w yet|strong="H3588"\w*.’” 
\v 16 Gideon \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Succoth|strong="H5523"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* beat \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w with|strong="H3045"\w* \w thorns|strong="H6975"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w briers|strong="H1303"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. 
\v 17 Gideon \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Penuel|strong="H6439"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w living|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w that|strong="H0376"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* Mount \w Tabor|strong="H8396"\w*. \w What|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w*?” 
\p \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* seemed \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w a|strong="H3644"\w* prince.” 
\p
\v 19 \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Those|strong="H1992"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*! \w As|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w lives|strong="H2416"\w*, \w if|strong="H3863"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w* now.” 
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w* turned \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jether|strong="H3500"\w*, \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w oldest|strong="H1060"\w* son, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Kill|strong="H2026"\w* these kings.” \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Jether|strong="H3500"\w* \w was|strong="H5288"\w* only \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w was|strong="H5288"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take|strong="H6965"\w* \w out|strong="H6965"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\p
\v 21 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H6965"\w* \w on|strong="H6965"\w*, \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w us|strong="H3588"\w* \w yourself|strong="H0859"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w strong|strong="H1369"\w* enough \w to|strong="H0559"\w* do \w the|strong="H0853"\w* job.” \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w Zebah|strong="H2078"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w Zalmunna|strong="H6759"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* decorations shaped \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* moon \w off|strong="H0853"\w* \w their|strong="H3947"\w* \w camels’|strong="H1581"\w* \w necks|strong="H6677"\w*. 
\s1 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w Makes|strong="H0559"\w* \w an|strong="H3588"\w* Ephod 
\p
\v 22 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w now|strong="H1571"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* want \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w your|strong="H3588"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H3588"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p
\v 23 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelites, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w ruler|strong="H4910"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w*.” 
\p
\v 24 \w Some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Israel defeated \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ishmaelites|strong="H3459"\w*. \w And|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ishmaelite|strong="H3459"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* wore \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w earrings|strong="H5141"\w*. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelites, “\w I|strong="H3588"\w* want \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* do \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w thing|strong="H3588"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* want \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w earring|strong="H5141"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w things|strong="H1992"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w took|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* battle.” 
\p
\v 25 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H8033"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* gladly \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* what \w you|strong="H5414"\w* want.” \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* coat \w down|strong="H7993"\w* \w on|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* ground, \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w earring|strong="H5141"\w* onto \w the|strong="H0853"\w* coat. 
\v 26 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w earrings|strong="H5141"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* gathered \w up|strong="H5921"\w*, \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w weighed|strong="H4948"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* 43 pounds.\f + \fr 8:26  \fk 43 pounds \ft Literally, “1700 \+add shekels\+add*” (19.55 kg).\f* \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w include|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* other gifts \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* Gideon. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w jewelry|strong="H5188"\w* shaped \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* moon \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w jewelry|strong="H5188"\w* shaped \w like|strong="H1961"\w* teardrops. \w And|strong="H3967"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w purple|strong="H0713"\w* \w robes|strong="H0899"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* worn \w these|strong="H0834"\w* \w things|strong="H1961"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* chains \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Midianite|strong="H4080"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\p
\v 27 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* gold \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w*,\f + \fr 8:27  \fk ephod \ft This may have been a special vest or coat like that worn by the high priest (see Exodus 28:2-14), or it may have been a kind of idol.\f* \w which|strong="H8033"\w* \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w put|strong="H3322"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* hometown, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w called|strong="H8033"\w* \w Ophrah|strong="H6084"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w*. \w In|strong="H1004"\w* \w this|strong="H3605"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H1961"\w* God—\w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w*.\f + \fr 8:27  \fk were not faithful … ephod \ft Literally, “acted like a prostitute to it.”\f* \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w trap|strong="H4170"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w caused|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* sin. 
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Death \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* 
\p
\v 28 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* forced \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w under|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* rule \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w* \w did|strong="H3254"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* cause trouble \w anymore|strong="H3254"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w long|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* alive. 
\p
\v 29 Gideon\f + \fr 8:29  \fk Gideon \ft Literally, “Jerub-Baal,” a nickname given to Gideon earlier (see 6:32). Also throughout chapter 9.”\f* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w went|strong="H1004"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 30 \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 70 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*. 
\v 31 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H7760"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H8034"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* lived \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H7760"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w by|strong="H1571"\w* \w her|strong="H1571"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. 
\p
\v 32 \w So|strong="H4191"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w at|strong="H4191"\w* \w a|strong="H4191"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w age|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H0001"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H4191"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joash|strong="H3101"\w*, \w his|strong="H4191"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*, owned. \w That|strong="H1121"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w* \w is|strong="H2896"\w* \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H4191"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ophrah|strong="H6084"\w*, where \w the|strong="H4191"\w* \w family|strong="H0001"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Abiezer lives. 
\v 33 \w As|strong="H0834"\w* soon \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* faithful \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*—\w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*.\f + \fr 8:33  \fk were not faithful … Baal \ft Literally, “they acted like a prostitute to Baal.”\f* \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H7760"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* Berith\f + \fr 8:33  \fk Baal Berith \ft A name that means “Lord of the Agreement.” It shows that the people were confusing the worship of the true God with the worship of local idols. Also in 9:4.\f* \w their|strong="H7760"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w*. 
\v 34 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w saved|strong="H5337"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w* living \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 35 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w loyal|strong="H2617"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerub-Baal|strong="H3378"\w* (\w Gideon|strong="H1439"\w*), \w even|strong="H3808"\w* though \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* many \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\c 9  
\s1 Abimelech Becomes King 
\p
\v 1 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gideon|strong="H0559"\w*. \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* uncles \w who|strong="H3605"\w* lived \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w He|strong="H1004"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* uncles \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w mother’s|strong="H0517"\w* \w family|strong="H4940"\w*, 
\v 2 “Ask \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* question: ‘\w Is|strong="H4100"\w* \w it|strong="H0518"\w* \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w be|strong="H0376"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4910"\w* \w by|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 70 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Gideon \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w be|strong="H0376"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4910"\w* \w by|strong="H3605"\w* \w only|strong="H0518"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*? \w Remember|strong="H2142"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w relative|strong="H1167"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 3 \w Abimelech’s|strong="H0040"\w* uncles \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w and|strong="H0251"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w question|strong="H1697"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w decided|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w follow|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w*, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w*.” 
\v 4 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* leaders \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Shechem \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* 70 pieces \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w That|strong="H0310"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w was|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w god|strong="H5414"\w* Baal Berith. \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w used|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w hire|strong="H7936"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*. These \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w worthless|strong="H7386"\w*, \w reckless|strong="H6348"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* wherever \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w*. 
\p
\v 5 Abimelech \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ophrah|strong="H6084"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w murdered|strong="H2026"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 70 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* Gideon. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w all|strong="H0259"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w same|strong="H0259"\w* time,\f + \fr 9:5  \fk all at the same time \ft Literally, “on one stone.” Also in verse 18.\f* \w but|strong="H3588"\w* Gideon’s \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w hid|strong="H2244"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* Abimelech \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w escaped|strong="H3498"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w youngest|strong="H6996"\w* \w son’s|strong="H1121"\w* name \w was|strong="H0376"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Millo|strong="H4407"\w*\f + \fr 9:6  \fk Millo \ft This was probably a well-protected part of the city, perhaps even the palace area. It might have been in the city itself or somewhere near the city.\f* came \w together|strong="H0622"\w*. \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w beside|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* big tree \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w pillar|strong="H5324"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\s1 Jotham’s Story 
\p
\v 7 \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w made|strong="H7121"\w* Abimelech king. \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w this|strong="H5046"\w*, \w he|strong="H0430"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Gerizim|strong="H1630"\w*\f + \fr 9:7  \fk Mount Gerizim \ft This mountain is right beside the city of Shechem.\f* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w shouted|strong="H7121"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H5046"\w* story \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H8085"\w*: 
\b
\pi1 “\w Listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w Then|strong="H5375"\w* \w let|strong="H5046"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 8 “\w One|strong="H4428"\w* day \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w decided|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* choose \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w rule|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H4428"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*.’ 
\pi1
\v 9 “\w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="H5921"\w* oil \w is|strong="H0834"\w* used \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w honor|strong="H3513"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* humans. \w Should|strong="H0376"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w stop|strong="H2308"\w* making \w my|strong="H5921"\w* oil \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* sway \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H0376"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*?’ 
\pi1
\v 10 “\w Then|strong="H0859"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w fig|strong="H8384"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w*, ‘Come \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w be|strong="H6086"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.’ 
\pi1
\v 11 “\w But|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fig|strong="H8384"\w* \w tree|strong="H6086"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Should|strong="H1980"\w* \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w stop|strong="H2308"\w* making \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*, sweet \w fruit|strong="H8570"\w* just \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* sway \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* other \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*?’ 
\pi1
\v 12 “\w Then|strong="H0859"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w vine|strong="H1612"\w*, ‘Come \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w be|strong="H6086"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.’ 
\pi1
\v 13 “\w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w vine|strong="H1612"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="H5921"\w* \w wine|strong="H8492"\w* \w makes|strong="H8055"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* kings \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*. \w Should|strong="H0376"\w* \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w stop|strong="H2308"\w* making \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w wine|strong="H8492"\w* just \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* sway \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*?’ 
\pi1
\v 14 “Finally, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* thornbush, ‘Come \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w be|strong="H3605"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*.’ 
\pi1
\v 15 “\w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* thornbush \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*, ‘\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w really|strong="H0571"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* make \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* find \w shelter|strong="H6738"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w shade|strong="H6738"\w*. \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0369"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H0518"\w* \w this|strong="H0398"\w*, let \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* thornbush. Let \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* burn \w even|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w*.’ 
\b
\p
\v 16 “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* completely honest \w when|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w*, \w may|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* happy \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. \w And|strong="H3027"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w have|strong="H0518"\w* \w been|strong="H6258"\w* \w fair|strong="H2895"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* Gideon \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H0518"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w have|strong="H0518"\w* \w treated|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w as|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w should|strong="H0518"\w*, \w this|strong="H6258"\w* \w is|strong="H3027"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w good|strong="H2895"\w*. 
\v 17 \w But|strong="H0834"\w* remember \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* risked \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w saved|strong="H5337"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Midianites|strong="H4080"\w*. 
\v 18 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w now|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w turned|strong="H1004"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* 70 \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3117"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* made \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* new \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w only|strong="H0259"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w slave|strong="H0519"\w* girl. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* made \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4427"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w relative|strong="H0251"\w*. 
\v 19 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* been completely honest \w to|strong="H3117"\w* Gideon \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H0518"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*, \w then|strong="H2088"\w* \w may|strong="H1571"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w your|strong="H0518"\w* king. \w And|strong="H1004"\w* \w may|strong="H1571"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w*. 
\v 20 \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Millo|strong="H4407"\w*,\f + \fr 9:20  \fk house of Millo \ft Or “Royal Family of Millo.”\f* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* acted right, \w may|strong="H1004"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* destroy \w you|strong="H0518"\w*. \w And|strong="H1004"\w* \w may|strong="H1004"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w be|strong="H1004"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H0369"\w* too!” 
\p
\v 21 After \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w had|strong="H0251"\w* said this, \w he|strong="H8033"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w away|strong="H1272"\w* \w and|strong="H0251"\w* \w escaped|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* city named \w Beer|strong="H0876"\w*. \w He|strong="H8033"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w he|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H6440"\w* afraid \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w his|strong="H6440"\w* \w brother|strong="H0251"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. 
\s1 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* Fights \w Against|strong="H6440"\w* Shechem 
\p
\v 22 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* ruled \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 23-24 Abimelech had killed Gideon’s 70 sons—and they were his own brothers. The leaders of Shechem had supported him in doing this evil thing. So God caused trouble between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. And they began planning ways to hurt Abimelech. 
\v 25 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H1870"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* anymore. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w men|strong="H1167"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* hilltops \w to|strong="H5921"\w* attack \w and|strong="H7218"\w* \w rob|strong="H1497"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* went \w by|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* found \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* attacks. 
\p
\v 26 \w A|strong="H0935"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* named \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ebed|strong="H5651"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w moved|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w The|strong="H0935"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* decided \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w trust|strong="H0982"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* follow \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w*. 
\p
\v 27 \w One|strong="H1004"\w* day \w the|strong="H0853"\w* people \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Shechem \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w pick|strong="H1219"\w* grapes. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* squeezed \w the|strong="H0853"\w* grapes \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* wine. \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w then|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* party \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H0398"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* people \w ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w cursed|strong="H7043"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. 
\p
\v 28 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ebed|strong="H5651"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w should|strong="H0376"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* obey \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*? \w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w does|strong="H3808"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w think|strong="H0559"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H4310"\w*? \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w is|strong="H4310"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Gideon’s \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*, right? \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w made|strong="H5647"\w* \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w officer|strong="H6496"\w*, right? \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w should|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* obey \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w should|strong="H0376"\w* follow \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w*, \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Hamor|strong="H2544"\w*.\f + \fr 9:28  \fk men from Hamor \ft This refers to native born citizens of Shechem. Hamor was the father of Shechem in a story in Genesis 34. The city of Shechem is said to have been named after Hamor’s son.\f* (\w Hamor|strong="H2544"\w* \w was|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*.) 
\v 29 If \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* commander \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H4310"\w* destroy \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H4310"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, ‘\w Get|strong="H3318"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w army|strong="H6635"\w* ready \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w come|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w battle|strong="H6635"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 30 \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w governor|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Shechem. \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ebed|strong="H5651"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w became|strong="H2734"\w* \w very|strong="H2734"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w*. 
\v 31 Zebul \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Arumah.\f + \fr 9:31  \fk in the city of Arumah \ft Or “secretly” or “in Tormah,” the town where Abimelech lived as king. It was probably about eight miles south of Shechem.\f* \w This|strong="H0935"\w* \w is|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* message: 
\b
\pi1 “\w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ebed|strong="H5651"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* Gaal’s \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* making trouble \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*. \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w is|strong="H2009"\w* turning \w the|strong="H0853"\w* whole \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*. 
\v 32 \w So|strong="H6965"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w your|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* should \w come|strong="H6965"\w* \w tonight|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w hide|strong="H0693"\w* \w in|strong="H0693"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w* outside \w the|strong="H0834"\w* city. 
\v 33 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w comes|strong="H3318"\w* \w up|strong="H7925"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w*, \w attack|strong="H6584"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. Gaal \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight, \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\b
\p
\v 34 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w during|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w went|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* separated \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w four|strong="H0702"\w* \w groups|strong="H7218"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* hid \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. 
\v 35 \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ebed|strong="H5651"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w at|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Shechem. \w While|strong="H0834"\w* \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w standing|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*, \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H5971"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H0834"\w* hiding \w places|strong="H3993"\w*. 
\p
\v 36 \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*, \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w*, “\w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w there|strong="H2009"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w coming|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w*.” 
\p \w But|strong="H7200"\w* \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* only \w seeing|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w shadows|strong="H6738"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w shadows|strong="H6738"\w* just \w look|strong="H2009"\w* \w like|strong="H3381"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.” 
\p
\v 37 \w But|strong="H1696"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w* \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w there|strong="H2009"\w* \w are|strong="H0776"\w* \w some|strong="H0259"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w place|strong="H0935"\w* \w over|strong="H7218"\w* \w there|strong="H2009"\w* \w by|strong="H1870"\w* Land’s Navel. \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w there|strong="H2009"\w*! \w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w saw|strong="H2009"\w* someone’s \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w over|strong="H7218"\w* \w by|strong="H1870"\w* Magician’s Tree.\f + \fr 9:37  \fk Land’s Navel … Magician’s Tree \ft Two places in the hills near Shechem.\f*” 
\v 38 \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Gaal, “\w Why|strong="H0834"\w* aren’t \w you|strong="H0834"\w* bragging \w now|strong="H6258"\w*? \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*? \w Why|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* obey \w him|strong="H0413"\w*?’ \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H0834"\w* fun \w of|strong="H6310"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H6310"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p
\v 39 \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. 
\v 40 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w his|strong="H6440"\w* men \w chased|strong="H7291"\w* Gaal \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w his|strong="H6440"\w* men. Gaal’s men \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* back \w toward|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* Shechem, \w but|strong="H5127"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w were|strong="H7291"\w* \w killed|strong="H2491"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w they|strong="H5704"\w* could get back \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w*. 
\p
\v 41 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* returned \w to|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Arumah|strong="H0725"\w*. \w Zebul|strong="H2083"\w* forced \w Gaal|strong="H1603"\w* \w and|strong="H0251"\w* \w his|strong="H3427"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w to|strong="H3427"\w* leave \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. 
\p
\v 42 \w The|strong="H1961"\w* \w next|strong="H4283"\w* \w day|strong="H4283"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H7704"\w* Shechem \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* work. \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* found \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w it|strong="H1961"\w*. 
\v 43 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* Abimelech \w separated|strong="H2673"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w groups|strong="H7218"\w*. \w He|strong="H4480"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w attack|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* Shechem \w by|strong="H5921"\w* surprise. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H4480"\w* hid \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*. \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w he|strong="H4480"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w coming|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w he|strong="H4480"\w* jumped \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\v 44 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H7218"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* group ran \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H5975"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* Shechem. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w groups|strong="H7218"\w* ran \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w* \w and|strong="H7218"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 45 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Shechem \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Shechem \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w its|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w tore|strong="H5422"\w* \w down|strong="H5422"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* threw \w salt|strong="H4417"\w* \w over|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w ruins|strong="H5892"\w*. 
\p
\v 46 \w There|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H7927"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H8085"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* lived \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*.\f + \fr 9:46  \fk Tower of Shechem \ft This was probably a place near Shechem but not actually part of the city.\f* \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H0935"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* what \w had|strong="H0935"\w* \w happened|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*, \w they|strong="H0935"\w* gathered together \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* safest \w room|strong="H1004"\w*\f + \fr 9:46  \fk safest room \ft The meaning of this Hebrew word is uncertain. Also in verse 49.\f* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w god|strong="H0410"\w* \w El|strong="H0410"\w* Berith.\f + \fr 9:46  \fk El Berith \ft Another name for the god Baal Berith mentioned in verses 4 and 8:33. The name here means “God of the Agreement.” Also in verse 49.\f* 
\p
\v 47 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w heard|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w*. 
\v 48 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Mount|strong="H2022"\w* \w Zalmon|strong="H6756"\w*.\f + \fr 9:48  \fk Mount Zalmon \ft This is probably another name for Mount Ebal, a mountain near Shechem.\f* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w an|strong="H7760"\w* ax \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* \w off|strong="H3772"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* branches \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w shoulders|strong="H7926"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Hurry|strong="H4116"\w*! \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* \w thing|strong="H1931"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*.” 
\v 49 \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w cut|strong="H3772"\w* branches \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* piled \w the|strong="H3605"\w* branches \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* safest room \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* temple \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* god El Berith. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w set|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* branches \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w fire|strong="H0784"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w burned|strong="H3341"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* room. \w About|strong="H5921"\w* 1000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w living|strong="H0376"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\s1 \w Abimelech’s|strong="H0040"\w* \w Death|strong="H4191"\w* 
\p
\v 50 \w Then|strong="H0040"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H0040"\w* \w his|strong="H0413"\w* men \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* city \w of|strong="H0413"\w* \w Thebez|strong="H8405"\w* \w and|strong="H0040"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w that|strong="H0040"\w* city. 
\v 51 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w inside|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w strong|strong="H5797"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H1167"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w*. \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w inside|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w*, \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w locked|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* door \w behind|strong="H1157"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w climbed|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w roof|strong="H1406"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w*. 
\v 52 \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* men \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H5704"\w*. \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w up|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w door|strong="H6607"\w* \w of|strong="H4026"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w burn|strong="H8313"\w* \w it|strong="H5704"\w*. 
\v 53 \w But|strong="H5921"\w*, \w while|strong="H5921"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w was|strong="H0259"\w* standing \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* door \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tower, \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* roof \w dropped|strong="H7993"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* grinding stone \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* grinding stone \w crushed|strong="H7533"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w skull|strong="H1538"\w*. 
\v 54 Abimelech \w quickly|strong="H4120"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w who|strong="H5288"\w* \w carried|strong="H5375"\w* \w his|strong="H5375"\w* \w weapons|strong="H3627"\w*, “\w Take|strong="H5375"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H5375"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w* \w and|strong="H0802"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w I|strong="H0559"\w* want \w you|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w so|strong="H6435"\w* \w that|strong="H7121"\w* \w people|strong="H5288"\w* \w will|strong="H2719"\w* \w not|strong="H6435"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w A|strong="H5375"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* Abimelech.’” \w So|strong="H6435"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w stabbed|strong="H1856"\w* Abimelech \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H5375"\w* \w sword|strong="H2719"\w*, \w and|strong="H0802"\w* \w he|strong="H0802"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\v 55 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w dead|strong="H4191"\w*, \w so|strong="H4191"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H0376"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w* back \w home|strong="H4725"\w*. 
\p
\v 56 \w In|strong="H0430"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* way \w God|strong="H0430"\w* punished \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* \w for|strong="H0430"\w* all \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w things|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* sinned against \w his|strong="H7725"\w* own \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w by|strong="H7451"\w* \w killing|strong="H2026"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* 70 \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w*. 
\v 57 \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* punished \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w done|strong="H7451"\w*. \w So|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w said|strong="H0413"\w* \w by|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jotham|strong="H3147"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Gideon \w came|strong="H0935"\w* true. 
\c 10  
\s1 Tola, the Judge 
\p
\v 1 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Abimelech|strong="H0040"\w* died, God sent \w another|strong="H0376"\w* judge \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w His|strong="H0376"\w* name \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w Tola|strong="H8439"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Puah|strong="H6312"\w*, \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dodo|strong="H1734"\w*. \w Tola|strong="H8439"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Issachar|strong="H3485"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Shamir, \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\v 2 Tola \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H4191"\w* 23 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Shamir. 
\s1 Jair, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Judge|strong="H8199"\w* 
\p
\v 3 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* Tola died, God sent another \w judge|strong="H8199"\w*. \w His|strong="H6965"\w* name \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w Jair|strong="H2971"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w he|strong="H0310"\w* \w lived|strong="H0310"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* area \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Gilead. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H6965"\w* 22 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 4 Jair \w had|strong="H0834"\w* 30 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w rode|strong="H7392"\w* 30 \w donkeys|strong="H5895"\w*.\f + \fr 10:4  \fk 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys \ft This showed that these men were important leaders, possibly the mayors of the 30 towns in Gilead.\f* \w These|strong="H2088"\w* 30 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* controlled 30 towns \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w These|strong="H2088"\w* towns \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Towns \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Jair \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 5 \w Jair|strong="H2971"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H4191"\w* was \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H4191"\w* city \w of|strong="H4191"\w* \w Kamon|strong="H7056"\w*. 
\s1 \w The|strong="H4191"\w* Ammonites Fight Against Israel 
\p
\v 6 \w Again|strong="H3254"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* said \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* began \w worshiping|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* false \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Ashtoreth. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aram|strong="H0758"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Sidon|strong="H6721"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w stopped|strong="H6430"\w* \w serving|strong="H5647"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 \w So|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w became|strong="H2734"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w allowed|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* defeat \w them|strong="H3027"\w*. 
\v 8 \w In|strong="H8141"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w same|strong="H1931"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* destroyed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* lived \w on|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w east|strong="H5676"\w* \w side|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H0776"\w*, \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w area|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* lived. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* suffered \w for|strong="H0776"\w* 18 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 9 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w then|strong="H0853"\w* \w went|strong="H1004"\w* \w across|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* River \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* brought many troubles \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w So|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* help. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* false \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w Baal|strong="H1168"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*, “\w You|strong="H3808"\w* cried \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w when|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Egyptians|strong="H4714"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* hurt \w you|strong="H3808"\w*. \w I|strong="H4714"\w* saved \w you|strong="H3808"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* these \w people|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 12 \w You|strong="H0853"\w* \w cried|strong="H6817"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w when|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* people \w of|strong="H3027"\w* Sidon, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amalekites|strong="H6002"\w*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Midianites\f + \fr 10:12  \fk Midianites \ft This is from the ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has “The Maonites.”\f* hurt \w you|strong="H0853"\w*. \w I|strong="H3027"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w saved|strong="H3467"\w* \w you|strong="H0853"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w those|strong="H0853"\w* people. 
\v 13 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w left|strong="H5800"\w* \w me|strong="H3254"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* started \w worshiping|strong="H5647"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*, \w so|strong="H3651"\w* \w I|strong="H3651"\w* \w refuse|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0430"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w again|strong="H3254"\w*. 
\v 14 \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* worshiping \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w*, \w so|strong="H0834"\w* go \w call|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w*. \w Let|strong="H6256"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w trouble|strong="H6869"\w*.” 
\p
\v 15 \w But|strong="H0389"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H5869"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w*. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w whatever|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w*, \w but|strong="H0389"\w* \w please|strong="H4994"\w* \w save|strong="H5337"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*.” 
\v 16 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* threw \w away|strong="H5493"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5236"\w* \w gods|strong="H0430"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* began \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w worship|strong="H5647"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* again. \w So|strong="H5493"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* felt \w sorry|strong="H5999"\w* \w for|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w when|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* saw \w them|strong="H0853"\w* suffering. 
\s1 Jephthah \w Is|strong="H3068"\w* Chosen \w as|strong="H5315"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* Leader 
\p
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0622"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* war. \w Their|strong="H0622"\w* \w camp|strong="H2583"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H0622"\w* area \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w The|strong="H0622"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w*. \w Their|strong="H0622"\w* \w camp|strong="H2583"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w at|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H0622"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*. 
\v 18 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* area \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Whoever|strong="H3605"\w* leads \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w attack|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w will|strong="H4310"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.” 
\c 11  
\p
\v 1 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w strong|strong="H2428"\w* soldier. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w prostitute|strong="H2181"\w*. \w His|strong="H1961"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w man|strong="H1368"\w* named \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Gilead’s|strong="H1568"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w had|strong="H0001"\w* several \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w grew|strong="H1431"\w* \w up|strong="H1431"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w like|strong="H3808"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* forced \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* leave \w his|strong="H3588"\w* hometown. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* get \w any|strong="H0312"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* property, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w another|strong="H0312"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*.” 
\v 3 \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w away|strong="H1272"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Tob|strong="H2897"\w*. \w In|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Tob|strong="H2897"\w*, \w some|strong="H0376"\w* rough \w men|strong="H0376"\w* began \w to|strong="H0413"\w* follow \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 5 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w fighting|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w so|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w went|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* wanted \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* leave \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Tob|strong="H2897"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w back|strong="H3947"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* elders \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H1961"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w our|strong="H1961"\w* leader \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* we \w can|strong="H1121"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*.” 
\p
\v 7 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* forced \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* leave \w my|strong="H0834"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w why|strong="H4069"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w having|strong="H3808"\w* \w trouble|strong="H6862"\w*?” 
\p
\v 8 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*, “\w That|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w reason|strong="H3651"\w* \w we|strong="H6258"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*. Please \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w commander|strong="H7218"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*.” 
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, “\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* want \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H0518"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*. \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* helps \w me|strong="H0413"\w* win, \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* new \w leader|strong="H7218"\w*.” 
\p
\v 10 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w from|strong="H8085"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w listening|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* everything \w we|strong="H0518"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w saying|strong="H0559"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w we|strong="H0518"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* everything \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="H7760"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w went|strong="H6440"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w made|strong="H7760"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w leader|strong="H7218"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w commander|strong="H7101"\w*. \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w repeated|strong="H1696"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w words|strong="H1697"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*. 
\s1 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* Warns \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w King|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Ammon 
\p
\v 12 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* message: “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* problem between \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelites? \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*?” 
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* fighting \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w came|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Arnon|strong="H0769"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jabbok|strong="H2999"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w*. \w Now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* without fighting \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H3588"\w*.” 
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* took this message \w back|strong="H5750"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*.\f + \fr 11:14  \fk So the messengers … Jephthah \ft This is from the ancient Greek version.\f* \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w*. 
\v 15 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w this|strong="H3541"\w* message: 
\b
\pi1 “\w This|strong="H3541"\w* \w is|strong="H0776"\w* \w what|strong="H3541"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w*: \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Moabites|strong="H4124"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*. 
\v 16 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H0935"\w* \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* land \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Red \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Kadesh|strong="H6946"\w*. 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H8085"\w* \w favor|strong="H4428"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Let|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*.’ \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H7971"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w his|strong="H8085"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w We|strong="H8085"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* same message \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w* \w would|strong="H0014"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H7971"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w his|strong="H8085"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w either|strong="H1571"\w*. \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Kadesh|strong="H6946"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 18 “\w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w through|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* edges \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Edom|strong="H0123"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w traveled|strong="H0935"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H5437"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w camp|strong="H2583"\w* \w on|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H5676"\w* \w side|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Arnon|strong="H0769"\w* \w River|strong="H0776"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* cross \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w border|strong="H1366"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. (\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Arnon|strong="H0769"\w* \w River|strong="H0776"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w border|strong="H1366"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*.) 
\pi1
\v 19 “\w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*. \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Heshbon|strong="H2809"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w*, ‘\w Let|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w pass|strong="H5674"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w your|strong="H4994"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w We|strong="H5704"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w our|strong="H7971"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*.’ 
\v 20 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* King \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w of|strong="H1366"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Amorites \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w borders|strong="H1366"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1366"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w made|strong="H3605"\w* \w a|strong="H3808"\w* \w camp|strong="H2583"\w* \w at|strong="H2583"\w* \w Jahaz|strong="H3096"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Amorites \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 21 \w But|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5221"\w* \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w*. \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* became \w the|strong="H3605"\w* property \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 22 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites got \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H1366"\w* \w of|strong="H1366"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Arnon|strong="H0769"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jabbok|strong="H2999"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H1366"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* went \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H5704"\w*. 
\pi1
\v 23 “\w It|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w who|strong="H3068"\w* forced \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Amorites|strong="H0567"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H0430"\w* gave \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. Do \w you|strong="H0859"\w* think \w you|strong="H0859"\w* can make \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w leave|strong="H3423"\w* \w this|strong="H6258"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*? 
\v 24 \w Surely|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* live \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w Chemosh|strong="H3645"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H3423"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* live \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w given|strong="H3423"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w us|strong="H6440"\w*. 
\v 25 \w Are|strong="H3478"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* any \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w than|strong="H2896"\w* \w Balak|strong="H1111"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zippor|strong="H6834"\w*\f + \fr 11:25  \fk Balak son of Zippor \ft See Num. 22-24 for his story.\f*? \w He|strong="H0518"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0518"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0518"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4124"\w*. Did \w he|strong="H0518"\w* \w argue|strong="H7378"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0518"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*? Did \w he|strong="H0518"\w* actually \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0518"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*? 
\v 26 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Heshbon|strong="H2809"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* 300 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Aroer|strong="H6177"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H1323"\w* \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* 300 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w side|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Arnon|strong="H0769"\w* River \w for|strong="H5921"\w* 300 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* tried \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w take|strong="H5337"\w* \w these|strong="H1931"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*? 
\v 27 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H2398"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* very \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H7451"\w* \w against|strong="H2398"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w May|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w true|strong="H3068"\w* \w Judge|strong="H8199"\w*, \w decide|strong="H8199"\w* \w whether|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* right.” 
\b
\p
\v 28 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H8085"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*. 
\s1 \w Jephthah’s|strong="H3316"\w* \w Promise|strong="H1697"\w* 
\p
\v 29 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w passed|strong="H5674"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* area \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H1961"\w* \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4708"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*. 
\p
\v 30 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w promise|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H0518"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, 
\v 31 \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* first thing \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w comes|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* victory. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w it|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w*.” 
\p
\v 32 \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 33 \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H5221"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aroer|strong="H6177"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Minnith|strong="H4511"\w*. Jephthah captured 20 \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* fought \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Abel Keramim. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H5221"\w*. \w It|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5221"\w* \w for|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*. 
\p
\v 34 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* playing \w a|strong="H0176"\w* \w tambourine|strong="H8596"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w dancing|strong="H4246"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w only|strong="H7535"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* loved \w her|strong="H0413"\w* very much. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w did|strong="H7535"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w any|strong="H4480"\w* \w other|strong="H0369"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. 
\v 35 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Jephthah \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* first thing \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* house, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w show|strong="H7200"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* sadness. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Oh|strong="H0162"\w*, \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*! \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* ruined \w me|strong="H0413"\w*! \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w very|strong="H3766"\w* sad! \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w promise|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w change|strong="H7725"\w* \w it|strong="H7725"\w*!” 
\p
\v 36 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* daughter \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Jephthah, “\w Father|strong="H0001"\w*, \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w promise|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w keep|strong="H6213"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w promise|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w all|strong="H0310"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* help \w you|strong="H0834"\w* defeat \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w enemies|strong="H0341"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*.” 
\p
\v 37 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* Jephthah’s daughter \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*, “\w But|strong="H0559"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w first|strong="H2088"\w*. \w Let|strong="H7503"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* \w alone|strong="H7503"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*. \w Let|strong="H7503"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w go|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w*. \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H1697"\w* \w not|strong="H2088"\w* \w marry|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* children, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w let|strong="H7503"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* friends \w go|strong="H3381"\w* \w and|strong="H0001"\w* cry \w together|strong="H5921"\w*.” 
\p
\v 38 Jephthah \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H7971"\w*.” \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w her|strong="H7971"\w* \w away|strong="H7971"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*. Jephthah’s daughter \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w her|strong="H7971"\w* friends stayed \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w mountains|strong="H2022"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w her|strong="H7971"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w she|strong="H1931"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* not \w marry|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w have|strong="H2022"\w* children. 
\p
\v 39 \w At|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w end|strong="H7093"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*, Jephthah’s daughter \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* Jephthah \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w promised|strong="H5087"\w*. \w His|strong="H7725"\w* daughter \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* sexual \w relations|strong="H3045"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0376"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w custom|strong="H2706"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 40 \w Every|strong="H3117"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w young|strong="H3117"\w* \w women|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* go out \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w four|strong="H0702"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* remember \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* Gilead \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* cry \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w her|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\c 12  
\s1 Jephthah and Ephraim 
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w all|strong="H0376"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w together|strong="H5973"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w went|strong="H0376"\w* \w across|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* river \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Zaphon. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w call|strong="H7121"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* help \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*? We \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w burn|strong="H8313"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w down|strong="H8313"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*.” 
\p
\v 2 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* giving \w us|strong="H0413"\w* many problems. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* fought \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w called|strong="H2199"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 3 \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*, \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* risked \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w own|strong="H5315"\w* \w life|strong="H5315"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w across|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w river|strong="H7760"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Ammonites|strong="H5983"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w helped|strong="H3467"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Now|strong="H3117"\w* \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w come|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*?” 
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w together|strong="H6908"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w fought|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H0854"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* insulted \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* \w nothing|strong="H3605"\w* \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w survivors|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w Part|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* belongs \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w part|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* belongs \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*.” \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\p
\v 5 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w places|strong="H0559"\w* \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jordan|strong="H3383"\w* \w River|strong="H3588"\w*. \w Those|strong="H0376"\w* \w places|strong="H0559"\w* led \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* country \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w Any|strong="H0376"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* survivor \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w river|strong="H3588"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Let|strong="H1961"\w* \w me|strong="H1961"\w* \w cross|strong="H5674"\w*,” \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, “\w Are|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*?” \w If|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w No|strong="H3808"\w*,” 
\v 6 \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Say|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w word|strong="H1696"\w* ‘Shibboleth.’” \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H8147"\w* \w of|strong="H6256"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w could|strong="H3559"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w word|strong="H1696"\w* \w correctly|strong="H3651"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w pronounced|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w word|strong="H1696"\w* “\w Sibboleth|strong="H5451"\w*.” \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w if|strong="H1931"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* man \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Sibboleth|strong="H5451"\w*,” \w then|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H8147"\w* \w of|strong="H6256"\w* Gilead knew \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w kill|strong="H7819"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* crossing \w place|strong="H3559"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w killed|strong="H7819"\w* 42,000 \w men|strong="H8147"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H4191"\w* \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Jephthah|strong="H3316"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3478"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. 
\s1 \w Ibzan|strong="H8199"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Judge|strong="H8199"\w* 
\p
\v 8 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* Jephthah, \w a|strong="H3478"\w* man named \w Ibzan|strong="H0078"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Ibzan|strong="H0078"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H8199"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Ibzan|strong="H8199"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 30 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 30 \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w*. \w He|strong="H4480"\w* told \w his|strong="H1961"\w* 30 \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* marry \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w relatives|strong="H1121"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H4480"\w* found 30 \w women|strong="H1323"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w relatives|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* married these \w women|strong="H1323"\w*. \w Ibzan|strong="H8199"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H7971"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H4191"\w* \w Ibzan|strong="H0078"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H4191"\w* was \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H4191"\w* city \w of|strong="H4191"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*. 
\s1 Elon, \w the|strong="H4191"\w* Judge 
\p
\v 11 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w Ibzan|strong="H8199"\w*, \w a|strong="H3478"\w* man named \w Elon|strong="H0356"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Elon|strong="H0356"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H8141"\w* Zebulun. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H8199"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H4191"\w* Elon \w from|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H0776"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Aijalon|strong="H0357"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="H2074"\w*. 
\s1 Abdon, \w the|strong="H0776"\w* Judge 
\p
\v 13 \w After|strong="H0310"\w* Elon died, \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* named \w Abdon|strong="H5658"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hillel|strong="H1985"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H8199"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Abdon|strong="H5658"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Pirathon. 
\v 14 Abdon \w had|strong="H1961"\w* 40 \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 30 \w grandsons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w rode|strong="H7392"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* 70 \w donkeys|strong="H5895"\w*.\f + \fr 12:14  \fk They rode on 70 donkeys \ft This showed that they were important leaders, possibly mayors of their towns.\f* Abdon \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w eight|strong="H8083"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H4191"\w* \w Abdon|strong="H5658"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hillel|strong="H1985"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H0776"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pirathon|strong="H6552"\w*. \w Pirathon|strong="H6552"\w* \w is|strong="H0776"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0776"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* where \w the|strong="H0776"\w* \w Amalekites|strong="H6003"\w* lived. 
\c 13  
\s1 The Birth of Samson 
\p
\v 1 \w Again|strong="H3254"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* started \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* said \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w wrong|strong="H7451"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w rule|strong="H3027"\w* \w over|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\p
\v 2 \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w*. \w He|strong="H3808"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w tribe|strong="H4940"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Dan. \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w she|strong="H3808"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* able \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w any|strong="H0376"\w* \w children|strong="H3205"\w*. 
\v 3 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w appeared|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Manoah’s|strong="H3205"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* able \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w become|strong="H3205"\w* \w pregnant|strong="H2029"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3205"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 4 \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w or|strong="H0408"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w strong|strong="H7941"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w food|strong="H0398"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2931"\w*, 
\v 5 \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w pregnant|strong="H2029"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H5139"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* special \w way|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w Nazirite|strong="H5139"\w*. \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* cut \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w hair|strong="H7218"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* special \w person|strong="H3027"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w before|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w born|strong="H3205"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w save|strong="H3467"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*.” 
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w had|strong="H0430"\w* \w happened|strong="H0935"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w A|strong="H0935"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w looked|strong="H4758"\w* \w like|strong="H4758"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* frightened \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w I|strong="H2088"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w where|strong="H0335"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w didn’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. 
\v 7 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H4480"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w pregnant|strong="H2029"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w or|strong="H0408"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w strong|strong="H7941"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w food|strong="H0398"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H0430"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2932"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H5139"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* special \w way|strong="H3605"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* special \w person|strong="H0398"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w before|strong="H5704"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H0430"\w* \w born|strong="H3205"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w dies|strong="H4194"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6279"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="H3068"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w beg|strong="H4994"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* want \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w teach|strong="H3384"\w* \w us|strong="H4994"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w soon|strong="H3205"\w* \w be|strong="H5750"\w* \w born|strong="H3205"\w*.” 
\p
\v 9 \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w Manoah’s|strong="H4495"\w* prayer. \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w*. \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H8085"\w* \w field|strong="H7704"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 10 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w ran|strong="H7323"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w*! \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w other|strong="H0376"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w here|strong="H2009"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w followed|strong="H0310"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*. \w When|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Are|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* same \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H0834"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w*?” 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* angel \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0935"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w happen|strong="H1961"\w*. \w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H0935"\w*, \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w kind|strong="H4941"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w life|strong="H4941"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w* live? \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0559"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w*?” 
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w*, “\w Your|strong="H3068"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* must \w do|strong="H8104"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 14 \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w anything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w grows|strong="H3318"\w* \w on|strong="H3605"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* grapevine. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w strong|strong="H7941"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w food|strong="H0398"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w unclean|strong="H2932"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H0408"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H8104"\w* \w do|strong="H0408"\w*.” 
\p
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, “\w We|strong="H4994"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w like|strong="H6440"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* stay \w a|strong="H3068"\w* while. \w We|strong="H4994"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* cook \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w young|strong="H1423"\w* \w goat|strong="H5795"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* eat.” 
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w*, “\w Even|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w keep|strong="H6213"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* leaving, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w prepare|strong="H6213"\w* \w something|strong="H3899"\w*, \w offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*.” (\w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w understand|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* man \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w really|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*.) 
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, “\w What|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*? \w We|strong="H3588"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* know \w so|strong="H0935"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w can|strong="H4310"\w* \w honor|strong="H3513"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w when|strong="H3588"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w really|strong="H0559"\w* happens.” 
\p
\v 18 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H4100"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*? \w It|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* too amazing \w for|strong="H7592"\w* \w you|strong="H4100"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* believe.\f + \fr 13:18  \fk It is … believe \ft Or “It is Pelei.” This means “amazing” or “wonderful.” This is like the name “Wonderful Counselor” in Isaiah 9:6.\f*” 
\p
\v 19 \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w sacrificed|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w young|strong="H1423"\w* \w goat|strong="H5795"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w rock|strong="H6697"\w*. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w goat|strong="H5795"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* grain \w offering|strong="H4503"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w gift|strong="H4503"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w One|strong="H0802"\w* \w Who|strong="H3068"\w* \w Does|strong="H6213"\w* \w Amazing|strong="H6381"\w* \w Things|strong="H6381"\w*.\f + \fr 13:19  \fk the LORD … Amazing Things \ft Or “the LORD Who Does Amazing Things.” Both of these are names for God, but Manoah didn’t know the man was really the angel of the LORD.\f* 
\v 20 \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* watching \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w*. \w As|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w flames|strong="H3851"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* fire. 
\p \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w bowed|strong="H5307"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* \w faces|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w ground|strong="H0776"\w*. 
\v 21 \w He|strong="H1931"\w* finally \w understood|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w man|strong="H7200"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* really \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w angel|strong="H4397"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H3254"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w appear|strong="H7200"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w*. 
\v 22 \w Manoah|strong="H4495"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H7200"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H7200"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w*.” 
\p
\v 23 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w does|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w want|strong="H2654"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w us|strong="H7200"\w*. \w If|strong="H3863"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w wanted|strong="H2654"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w us|strong="H7200"\w*, \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w accepted|strong="H3947"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w grain|strong="H3605"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w shown|strong="H7200"\w* \w us|strong="H7200"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w things|strong="H0428"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H7200"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*.” 
\p
\v 24 \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3205"\w* \w boy|strong="H5288"\w*. \w She|strong="H7121"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w grew|strong="H1431"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w him|strong="H3205"\w*. 
\v 25 \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* work \w in|strong="H3068"\w* Samson while \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Mahaneh \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*. \w That|strong="H3068"\w* city \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* cities \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Eshtaol|strong="H0847"\w*. 
\c 14  
\s1 Samson’s Marriage 
\p
\v 1 \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* city \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w Timnah|strong="H8553"\w*. \w He|strong="H0802"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* young \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* there. 
\v 2 \w When|strong="H7200"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w returned|strong="H5927"\w* \w home|strong="H0001"\w*, \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H0802"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*, “\w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w in|strong="H0802"\w* \w Timnah|strong="H8553"\w*. \w I|strong="H6258"\w* want \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w get|strong="H3947"\w* \w her|strong="H5046"\w* \w for|strong="H0802"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*. \w I|strong="H6258"\w* want \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w* \w her|strong="H5046"\w*.” 
\p
\v 3 \w His|strong="H3605"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w from|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w can|strong="H0369"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w*. \w Do|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w from|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*? \w Their|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w are|strong="H5869"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w even|strong="H3588"\w* circumcised.” 
\p \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Get|strong="H3947"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*! \w She|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H0369"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* want!” 
\v 4 (Samson’s \w parents|strong="H0001"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w wanted|strong="H1245"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* happen. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w looking|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* way \w to|strong="H3068"\w* do something against \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w ruling|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H4910"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*.) 
\p
\v 5 \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* city \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w Timnah|strong="H8553"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w* \w near|strong="H5704"\w* \w that|strong="H5704"\w* city. \w There|strong="H2009"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* \w young|strong="H3715"\w* \w lion|strong="H0738"\w* \w suddenly|strong="H2009"\w* \w roared|strong="H7580"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* jumped \w at|strong="H0935"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*! 
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H7307"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* Samson \w with|strong="H3068"\w* great \w power|strong="H3027"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w tore|strong="H8156"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* lion \w apart|strong="H7307"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* bare \w hands|strong="H3027"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* seemed easy \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* easy \w as|strong="H0834"\w* tearing \w apart|strong="H7307"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w young|strong="H1423"\w* \w goat|strong="H1423"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* Samson \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 \w So|strong="H3381"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H1696"\w* city \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w talked|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H1696"\w* Philistine \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*. She \w pleased|strong="H5869"\w* \w him|strong="H3381"\w*. 
\v 8 Several \w days|strong="H3117"\w* later, Samson \w came|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w* \w her|strong="H3947"\w*. \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* way, \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w over|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w look|strong="H2009"\w* \w at|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* dead \w lion|strong="H0738"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* found \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w swarm|strong="H5712"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w bees|strong="H1682"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w its|strong="H0853"\w* body. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H0853"\w* \w made|strong="H7725"\w* \w some|strong="H2009"\w* \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*. 
\v 9 Samson \w got|strong="H1980"\w* some \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w honey|strong="H1706"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w hands|strong="H3709"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w walked|strong="H1980"\w* \w along|strong="H1980"\w* \w eating|strong="H0398"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*. \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w came|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w parents|strong="H0001"\w*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* some \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w too|strong="H3808"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* Samson \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w parents|strong="H0001"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H0001"\w* \w taken|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w honey|strong="H1706"\w* \w from|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* body \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* dead \w lion|strong="H0738"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* see \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Philistine \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w custom|strong="H3651"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* bridegroom \w to|strong="H0413"\w* give \w a|strong="H3588"\w* party. \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* party. 
\v 11 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Philistines \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w having|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* party, \w they|strong="H7200"\w* \w sent|strong="H3947"\w* 30 \w men|strong="H3947"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 30 \w men|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0518"\w* want \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* story. \w This|strong="H3117"\w* party \w will|strong="H5414"\w* last \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. Try \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w can|strong="H0518"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H5414"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* 30 \w linen|strong="H5466"\w* shirts \w and|strong="H3117"\w* 30 \w changes|strong="H2487"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w*. 
\v 13 \w But|strong="H0518"\w* \w if|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w find|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w must|strong="H0518"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* 30 \w linen|strong="H5466"\w* shirts \w and|strong="H8085"\w* 30 \w changes|strong="H2487"\w* \w of|strong="H0559"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w*.” \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* 30 \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*, \w we|strong="H0518"\w* want \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 14 Samson \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w* \w this|strong="H3117"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*: 
\b
\q1 “\w Out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w eater|strong="H0398"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w something|strong="H4966"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w*. 
\q2 \w Out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w strong|strong="H5794"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w something|strong="H4966"\w* \w sweet|strong="H4966"\w*.” 
\b
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* 30 \w men|strong="H5794"\w* tried \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* find \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w couldn’t|strong="H3808"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w fourth|strong="H7637"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*,\f + \fr 14:15  \fk fourth day \ft This is from the ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has “seventh day.”\f* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Did|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w invite|strong="H7121"\w* \w us|strong="H5046"\w* here just \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w make|strong="H5046"\w* \w us|strong="H5046"\w* \w poor|strong="H3423"\w*? \w You|strong="H3117"\w* \w must|strong="H0853"\w* trick \w your|strong="H3808"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w into|strong="H0376"\w* \w telling|strong="H5046"\w* \w us|strong="H5046"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*. \w If|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* get \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w* \w for|strong="H7121"\w* \w us|strong="H5046"\w*, \w we|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w burn|strong="H8313"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w your|strong="H3808"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* death.” 
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* went \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* began \w crying|strong="H1058"\w*. \w She|strong="H0517"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H5921"\w* just \w hate|strong="H8130"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*! \w You|strong="H5921"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w really|strong="H0559"\w* \w love|strong="H0157"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*! \w You|strong="H5921"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H1121"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w*.” 
\p \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w her|strong="H5046"\w*, “\w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w have|strong="H0001"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w even|strong="H3808"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w why|strong="H3808"\w* \w should|strong="H0001"\w* \w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*?” 
\p
\v 17 Samson’s wife \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w rest|strong="H1961"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* party. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* finally \w gave|strong="H1961"\w* \w her|strong="H5046"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* answer \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w her|strong="H5046"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* kept bothering \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w her|strong="H5046"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* answer \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*. 
\p
\v 18 \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w before|strong="H2962"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* sun \w went|strong="H0935"\w* down \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* party, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Philistine \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w answer|strong="H0559"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* Samson \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w sweeter|strong="H4966"\w* \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w honey|strong="H1706"\w*? 
\q2 \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w stronger|strong="H5794"\w* \w than|strong="H3808"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* \w lion|strong="H0738"\w*?” 
\b
\p \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* Samson \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0935"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w If|strong="H3884"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w plowed|strong="H2790"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w my|strong="H0935"\w* cow, 
\q2 \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w would|strong="H4100"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H0376"\w* solved \w my|strong="H0935"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*!” 
\b
\p
\v 19 Samson \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H2734"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H5927"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* Samson \w with|strong="H1004"\w* great power. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Ashkelon|strong="H0831"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 30 Philistine \w men|strong="H0376"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w all|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* clothes \w and|strong="H3068"\w* property \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* dead bodies \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H5046"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w riddle|strong="H2420"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 20 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* given \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* best man. 
\c 15  
\s1 Samson Makes Trouble  //  for the Philistines 
\p
\v 1 \w At|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w wheat|strong="H2406"\w* \w harvest|strong="H7105"\w*, \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w visit|strong="H6485"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w young|strong="H1423"\w* \w goat|strong="H5795"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w gift|strong="H5414"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w am|strong="H1961"\w* \w going|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w wife’s|strong="H0802"\w* \w room|strong="H2315"\w*.” 
\p \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w*. 
\v 2 \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w thought|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w hated|strong="H8130"\w* \w her|strong="H5414"\w*, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w let|strong="H4994"\w* \w her|strong="H5414"\w* \w marry|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w best|strong="H2896"\w* man \w at|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* wedding. \w Her|strong="H5414"\w* \w younger|strong="H6996"\w* \w sister|strong="H0269"\w* \w is|strong="H1961"\w* \w more|strong="H4480"\w* beautiful. \w Take|strong="H1961"\w* \w her|strong="H5414"\w* \w younger|strong="H6996"\w* \w sister|strong="H0269"\w*.” 
\p
\v 3 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5973"\w*, “\w Now|strong="H6471"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have|strong="H6430"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* good reason \w to|strong="H0559"\w* hurt \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. No \w one|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0589"\w* blame \w me|strong="H0589"\w* \w now|strong="H6471"\w*.” 
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w caught|strong="H3920"\w* 300 \w foxes|strong="H7776"\w*. \w He|strong="H0259"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w foxes|strong="H7776"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w time|strong="H8147"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* tied \w their|strong="H3947"\w* \w tails|strong="H2180"\w* \w together|strong="H0259"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w make|strong="H7760"\w* \w pairs|strong="H8147"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H0259"\w* tied \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w torch|strong="H3940"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w tails|strong="H2180"\w* \w of|strong="H8432"\w* \w each|strong="H0259"\w* \w pair|strong="H8147"\w* \w of|strong="H8432"\w* \w foxes|strong="H7776"\w*. 
\v 5 \w He|strong="H5704"\w* lit \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w torches|strong="H3940"\w* \w that|strong="H0784"\w* \w were|strong="H6430"\w* \w between|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* foxes’ tails \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w let|strong="H7971"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w* run through \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w grain|strong="H7054"\w* fields \w of|strong="H3754"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. \w In|strong="H0784"\w* this \w way|strong="H7971"\w* \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w burned|strong="H1197"\w* \w up|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* plants growing \w in|strong="H0784"\w* \w their|strong="H7971"\w* fields \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* stacks \w of|strong="H3754"\w* \w grain|strong="H7054"\w* \w they|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H6430"\w* cut. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w also|strong="H6430"\w* \w burned|strong="H1197"\w* \w up|strong="H5704"\w* \w their|strong="H7971"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w their|strong="H7971"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w trees|strong="H2132"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*?” 
\p \w Someone|strong="H4310"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son-in-law|strong="H2860"\w* \w of|strong="H0001"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w man|strong="H0784"\w* \w from|strong="H3947"\w* Timnah, \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* father-in-law \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* best \w man|strong="H0784"\w* \w at|strong="H6430"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* wedding.” \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H0802"\w* \w her|strong="H3947"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* death. 
\p
\v 7 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Philistines, “\w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* bad \w thing|strong="H2063"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H0310"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w now|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0518"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* bad things \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H0518"\w* \w be|strong="H3588"\w* finished \w with|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!” 
\p
\v 8 Samson \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Philistines \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w many|strong="H1419"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H5221"\w* cave \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H5221"\w* place named \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Rock|strong="H5553"\w* \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Etam|strong="H5862"\w*. 
\p
\v 9 \w The|strong="H5927"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* land \w of|strong="H5927"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w stopped|strong="H6430"\w* near \w a|strong="H5927"\w* place named \w Lehi|strong="H3896"\w*. \w Their|strong="H5927"\w* \w army|strong="H5927"\w* \w camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w there|strong="H5927"\w*. 
\v 10 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* Philistines \w come|strong="H5927"\w* \w here|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* fight \w us|strong="H5921"\w*?” 
\p \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w get|strong="H5927"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* want \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w prisoner|strong="H0631"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* want \w to|strong="H0559"\w* punish \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w Then|strong="H3651"\w* 3000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* cave \w near|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Rock|strong="H5553"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Etam|strong="H5862"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*? \w Don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*?” 
\p \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* only punished \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H0859"\w* \w they|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, “\w We|strong="H6435"\w* \w have|strong="H0859"\w* \w come|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w up|strong="H5414"\w*. \w We|strong="H6435"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*.” 
\p \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* Judah, “\w Promise|strong="H7650"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w yourselves|strong="H0859"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H6435"\w* hurt \w me|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H8147"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Judah \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* agree. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* just \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Philistines. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w promise|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w kill|strong="H4191"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w*.” \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w tied|strong="H0631"\w* Samson \w with|strong="H3027"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* led \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* cave \w in|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w rock|strong="H5553"\w*. 
\p
\v 14 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Samson \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w* called \w Lehi|strong="H3896"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w meet|strong="H7125"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w shouting|strong="H7321"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w joy|strong="H7321"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* Samson \w with|strong="H3068"\w* great \w power|strong="H3027"\w*. Samson broke \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w*—\w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w burned|strong="H1197"\w* strings falling \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w arms|strong="H2220"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w* seemed \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w melt|strong="H4549"\w* \w away|strong="H4549"\w*. 
\v 15 Samson \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w jawbone|strong="H3895"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* dead \w donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 1000 Philistine \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w it|strong="H4672"\w*. 
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w With|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H5221"\w* \w donkey’s|strong="H2543"\w* \w jawbone|strong="H3895"\w*, 
\q2 \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 1000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w*! 
\q1 \w With|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H5221"\w* \w donkey’s|strong="H2543"\w* \w jawbone|strong="H3895"\w*, 
\q2 \w I|strong="H0559"\w* piled\f + \fr 15:16  \fk piled \ft In Hebrew, the word “pile” is like the word “donkey.”\f* \w them|strong="H5221"\w* \w into|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H5221"\w* tall pile.” 
\b
\p
\v 17 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* Samson \w finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w speaking|strong="H1696"\w*, \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w the|strong="H7121"\w* \w jawbone|strong="H3895"\w* \w down|strong="H7993"\w*. \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* \w Ramath|strong="H7437"\w* Lehi.\f + \fr 15:17  \fk Ramath Lehi \ft This name means “Jawbone Heights.”\f* 
\p
\v 18 Samson \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w thirsty|strong="H6770"\w*. \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w he|strong="H3068"\w* \w cried|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w He|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w am|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*. \w You|strong="H0859"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w victory|strong="H8668"\w*. Please don’t \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w thirst|strong="H6772"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*. Please don’t \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w be|strong="H4191"\w* captured \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w men|strong="H1419"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3027"\w* not \w even|strong="H0853"\w* circumcised.” 
\p
\v 19 \w There|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H7121"\w* hole \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* ground \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Lehi|strong="H3896"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w made|strong="H7725"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* hole crack \w open|strong="H1234"\w*, \w and|strong="H0430"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w*. Samson \w drank|strong="H8354"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w and|strong="H0430"\w* felt \w better|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* felt strong \w again|strong="H7725"\w*. \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w spring|strong="H3318"\w* En Hakkore.\f + \fr 15:19  \fk En Hakkore \ft This name means “The spring of the one who calls.”\f* \w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w still|strong="H7725"\w* \w there|strong="H2088"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Lehi|strong="H3896"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\p
\v 20 Samson \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3117"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. 
\c 16  
\s1 Samson Goes to the City of Gaza 
\p
\v 1 \w One|strong="H0802"\w* day \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* city \w of|strong="H0802"\w* \w Gaza|strong="H5804"\w*. \w He|strong="H8033"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w prostitute|strong="H2181"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* stay \w the|strong="H0413"\w* night \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 2 Someone \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H8179"\w* Gaza, “\w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w has|strong="H3605"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w here|strong="H2008"\w*.” \w They|strong="H5704"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w*, \w so|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H5704"\w* \w surrounded|strong="H5437"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* hid \w near|strong="H2008"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w waited|strong="H0693"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w were|strong="H8179"\w* \w very|strong="H5704"\w* quiet \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w*, “\w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w comes|strong="H0935"\w*, \w we|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H5704"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*.” 
\p
\v 3 \w But|strong="H0834"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w only|strong="H5704"\w* \w stayed|strong="H7901"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* prostitute \w until|strong="H5704"\w* midnight. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* grabbed \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5265"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w loose|strong="H5921"\w* \w from|strong="H5265"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* wall. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5265"\w* \w down|strong="H7901"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w posts|strong="H4201"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* lock \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* shut. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w shoulders|strong="H3802"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w carried|strong="H5927"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w top|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H2022"\w* \w Hebron|strong="H2275"\w*. 
\s1 \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* Delilah 
\p
\v 4 \w Later|strong="H0310"\w*, Samson \w fell|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H0802"\w* \w love|strong="H0157"\w* \w with|strong="H0802"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w*, \w who|strong="H0802"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w from|strong="H1961"\w* Sorek \w Valley|strong="H5158"\w*. 
\p
\v 5 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* rulers \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Delilah \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H0587"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* know \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w makes|strong="H5414"\w* Samson \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w strong|strong="H3581"\w*. Try \w to|strong="H0413"\w* trick \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w telling|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* secret. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* know \w how|strong="H4100"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* capture \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w be|strong="H0376"\w* \w able|strong="H3201"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* control \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w If|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w this|strong="H0376"\w*, \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* 28 pounds\f + \fr 16:5  \fk 28 pounds \ft Literally, “1100 \+add shekels\+add*” (12.6 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*.” 
\p
\v 6 \w So|strong="H4994"\w* \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w why|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w so|strong="H4994"\w* \w strong|strong="H3581"\w*. \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w could|strong="H4100"\w* someone \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w up|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w make|strong="H5046"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w helpless|strong="H3581"\w*?” 
\p
\v 7 \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Someone|strong="H0120"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w up|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w fresh|strong="H3892"\w*, new \w bowstrings|strong="H3499"\w*.\f + \fr 16:7  \fk fresh, new bowstrings \ft Bowstrings were often made from sinew (tendons) which is brittle after it becomes old and dry.\f* \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w someone|strong="H0120"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w weak|strong="H3808"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w any|strong="H0259"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0120"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* rulers \w of|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w fresh|strong="H3892"\w*, new \w bowstrings|strong="H3499"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* Delilah, \w and|strong="H6430"\w* \w she|strong="H0834"\w* \w tied|strong="H0631"\w* Samson \w with|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w bowstrings|strong="H3499"\w*. 
\v 9 Some \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* hiding \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w room|strong="H2315"\w*. Delilah \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, “\w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* going \w to|strong="H0413"\w* capture \w you|strong="H0834"\w*!” \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* easily \w broke|strong="H5423"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bowstrings|strong="H3499"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w snapped|strong="H5423"\w* \w like|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w string|strong="H6616"\w* \w when|strong="H0834"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* comes \w too|strong="H5921"\w* close \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w flame|strong="H0784"\w*. \w So|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w find|strong="H3045"\w* \w out|strong="H3045"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* secret \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w Samson’s|strong="H8123"\w* \w strength|strong="H3581"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, “\w You|strong="H5046"\w* \w lied|strong="H3576"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w You|strong="H5046"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w look|strong="H2009"\w* foolish. \w Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* truth. \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w could|strong="H4100"\w* someone \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w up|strong="H0413"\w*?” 
\p
\v 11 Samson \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Someone|strong="H0120"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w up|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w someone|strong="H0120"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w*, \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w weak|strong="H3808"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w any|strong="H0259"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0120"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* some \w new|strong="H2319"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w* \w and|strong="H6430"\w* \w tied|strong="H0631"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*. Some \w men|strong="H3947"\w* \w were|strong="H6430"\w* hiding \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w room|strong="H2315"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w* \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w men|strong="H3947"\w* \w are|strong="H6430"\w* going \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w capture|strong="H3947"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*!” \w But|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H5921"\w* \w broke|strong="H5423"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w ropes|strong="H5688"\w* easily \w as|strong="H3427"\w* if \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H6430"\w* threads. 
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0518"\w* \w lied|strong="H3576"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w again|strong="H1696"\w*. \w You|strong="H0518"\w* \w made|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* look foolish. \w Now|strong="H2008"\w*, \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w how|strong="H4100"\w* someone \w could|strong="H4100"\w* \w tie|strong="H0631"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w up|strong="H5704"\w*.” 
\p \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* use \w the|strong="H0853"\w* loom \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w weave|strong="H0707"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w braids|strong="H4253"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w hair|strong="H7218"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H5046"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* \w and|strong="H7218"\w* tighten \w it|strong="H0518"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w a|strong="H0518"\w* pin, \w I|strong="H0518"\w* \w will|strong="H4100"\w* become \w as|strong="H5704"\w* weak \w as|strong="H5704"\w* any \w other|strong="H2008"\w* \w man|strong="H7218"\w*.” 
\p
\v 14 Later, \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w sleep|strong="H8142"\w*, \w so|strong="H5921"\w* Delilah used \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w loom|strong="H0708"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* weave \w the|strong="H0559"\w* seven braids \w of|strong="H5921"\w* hair \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* head.\f + \fr 16:14  \fk so Delilah … head \ft This is found in the ancient Greek version but not in the standard Hebrew text.\f* \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* Delilah \w fastened|strong="H8628"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w loom|strong="H0708"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* ground \w with|strong="H0854"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w tent|strong="H3489"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w*. Again she \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w out|strong="H5265"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w are|strong="H6430"\w* going \w to|strong="H0413"\w* capture \w you|strong="H5921"\w*!” \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w pulled|strong="H5265"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w tent|strong="H3489"\w* \w peg|strong="H3489"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w loom|strong="H0708"\w*, \w and|strong="H6430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w shuttle|strong="H0708"\w*.\f + \fr 16:14  \fk shuttle \ft The tool used to pull the threads back and forth on a loom to make cloth.\f* 
\p
\v 15 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* Delilah \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* Samson, “\w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w can|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="H2088"\w* \w love|strong="H0157"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w*,’ \w when|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w even|strong="H3808"\w* trust \w me|strong="H0413"\w*? \w You|strong="H5046"\w* \w refuse|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w tell|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H0157"\w* secret. \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w third|strong="H7969"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w* \w you|strong="H5046"\w* \w made|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* look foolish. \w You|strong="H5046"\w* \w haven’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* secret \w of|strong="H3820"\w* \w your|strong="H0157"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w strength|strong="H3581"\w*.” 
\v 16 \w She|strong="H3588"\w* kept bothering Samson \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w after|strong="H1961"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* got \w so|strong="H1961"\w* tired \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* asking \w him|strong="H4191"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* secret \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* felt \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* going \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\v 17 Finally, Samson \w told|strong="H5046"\w* Delilah \w everything|strong="H3605"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w hair|strong="H7218"\w* \w cut|strong="H1548"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H5139"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w before|strong="H4480"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w born|strong="H3808"\w*. \w If|strong="H0518"\w* \w someone|strong="H0120"\w* \w shaved|strong="H1548"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* lose \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w strength|strong="H3581"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w would|strong="H0559"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w weak|strong="H3808"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H0120"\w*.” 
\p
\v 18 \w Delilah|strong="H1807"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* Samson \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* secret. \w She|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* message \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* rulers \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*. \w She|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H5927"\w* \w back|strong="H5927"\w* \w again|strong="H7971"\w*. Samson \w has|strong="H3820"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w*.” \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* rulers \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w came|strong="H5927"\w* \w back|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w promised|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w give|strong="H5046"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\p
\v 19 Delilah got Samson \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w go|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w sleep|strong="H3462"\w* \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w head|strong="H7218"\w* lying \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w lap|strong="H1290"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w she|strong="H7121"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H7121"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w shave|strong="H1548"\w* \w off|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w braids|strong="H4253"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Samson’s \w hair|strong="H7218"\w*. \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H0376"\w* \w way|strong="H5921"\w* \w she|strong="H7121"\w* \w made|strong="H7121"\w* Samson weak, \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w strength|strong="H3581"\w* \w left|strong="H5493"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* Delilah \w called|strong="H0559"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w going|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* capture \w you|strong="H3588"\w*!” \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w woke|strong="H3364"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w thought|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w escape|strong="H3318"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w before|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w free|strong="H3318"\w* \w myself|strong="H3045"\w*.” \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. 
\p
\v 21 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* men \w captured|strong="H0270"\w* Samson. \w They|strong="H5178"\w* tore \w out|strong="H0853"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Gaza|strong="H5804"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H5178"\w* \w put|strong="H3381"\w* \w chains|strong="H5178"\w* \w on|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* keep \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w running|strong="H1961"\w* away. \w They|strong="H5178"\w* \w put|strong="H3381"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w prison|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* work \w grinding|strong="H2912"\w* grain. 
\v 22 \w But|strong="H0834"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w hair|strong="H8181"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H0834"\w* \w grow|strong="H6779"\w* \w again|strong="H6779"\w*. 
\p
\v 23 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* \w rulers|strong="H0430"\w* \w came|strong="H0559"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* celebrate. \w They|strong="H0559"\w* \w were|strong="H6430"\w* going \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w offer|strong="H2076"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="H2077"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w Dagon|strong="H1712"\w*. \w They|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Our|strong="H5414"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemy|strong="H0341"\w*.” 
\v 24 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Philistines \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* Samson, \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w This|strong="H3588"\w* \w man|strong="H7200"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H2717"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*! 
\q2 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H2491"\w* \w many|strong="H7235"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*! 
\q1 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w god|strong="H0430"\w* \w helped|strong="H3027"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* 
\q2 \w take|strong="H7200"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemy|strong="H0341"\w*!” 
\b
\p
\v 25 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H3820"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w having|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* celebration. \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Bring|strong="H1961"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w out|strong="H6440"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* want \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w make|strong="H6711"\w* fun \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*.” \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w brought|strong="H1961"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w prison|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* fun \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w god|strong="H0559"\w* Dagon. 
\v 26 \w A|strong="H0834"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w holding|strong="H2388"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*. \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Put|strong="H3240"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* \w feel|strong="H3559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w hold|strong="H2388"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w up|strong="H5921"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w lean|strong="H8172"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p
\v 27 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H0376"\w* crowded \w with|strong="H4390"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistine|strong="H6430"\w* rulers \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* 3000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w roof|strong="H1406"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* laughing \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w making|strong="H3605"\w* fun \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w*. 
\v 28 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H7121"\w* prayer \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="H3068"\w* \w GOD|strong="H0430"\w*, \w remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*. \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w please|strong="H4994"\w* \w give|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w strength|strong="H2388"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w more|strong="H6471"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w*. \w Let|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H4994"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w thing|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* punish \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w for|strong="H7121"\w* tearing \w out|strong="H2388"\w* \w both|strong="H8147"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w eyes|strong="H5869"\w*!” 
\v 29 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w took|strong="H0853"\w* \w hold|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w center|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w supported|strong="H3943"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* whole \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w braced|strong="H5564"\w* \w himself|strong="H8432"\w* \w between|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w columns|strong="H5982"\w*. \w One|strong="H0259"\w* \w column|strong="H5982"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w*. 
\v 30 \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Let|strong="H1961"\w* \w me|strong="H5315"\w* \w die|strong="H4191"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w*!” \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* pushed \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w hard|strong="H1004"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* rulers \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*. \w In|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H0834"\w* \w way|strong="H3605"\w* \w Samson|strong="H8123"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w more|strong="H5921"\w* \w Philistines|strong="H6430"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w* \w than|strong="H5921"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w alive|strong="H2416"\w*. 
\p
\v 31 Samson’s \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w get|strong="H5927"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* body. \w They|strong="H8141"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w back|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w buried|strong="H6912"\w* \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w tomb|strong="H6913"\w*, \w which|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w between|strong="H0996"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* cities \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w Eshtaol|strong="H0847"\w*. Samson \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H5375"\w* \w judge|strong="H8199"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. 
\c 17  
\s1 Micah’s Idols 
\p
\v 1 \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4319"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\v 2 Micah \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H3947"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*, “\w Do|strong="H0589"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* remember \w that|strong="H0834"\w* someone \w stole|strong="H3947"\w* 28 pounds\f + \fr 17:2  \fk 28 pounds \ft Literally, “1100 \+add shekels\+add*” (12.6 kg). Also in verse 3.\f* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*? \w I|strong="H0589"\w* heard \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w curse|strong="H1288"\w* \w about|strong="H3947"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w*. \w Well|strong="H1571"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w it|strong="H3947"\w*.” 
\p \w His|strong="H3947"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w bless|strong="H1288"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*, \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w*.” 
\p
\v 3 Micah \w gave|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 28 pounds \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H3068"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w Then|strong="H6258"\w* \w she|strong="H0517"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w this|strong="H6258"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w as|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* special \w gift|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w it|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w can|strong="H6213"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* statue \w and|strong="H1121"\w* cover \w it|strong="H7725"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w*, \w I|strong="H6258"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w*.” 
\p
\v 4 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4319"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w mother|strong="H0517"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w she|strong="H0517"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* 5 pounds\f + \fr 17:4  \fk about 5 pounds \ft Literally, “200 \+add shekels\+add*” (2.3 kg).\f* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w silversmith|strong="H6884"\w*.\f + \fr 17:4  \fk silversmith \ft A person who makes things from silver.\f* \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* statue covered \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* statue \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* Micah’s \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 5 \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* worshiping \w idols|strong="H8655"\w*. \w He|strong="H0430"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w*\f + \fr 17:5  \fk ephod \ft This may have been a special vest or coat like that worn by the high priest (see Exodus 28:2-14), or it may have been a kind of idol. Also in 18:14.\f* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w idols|strong="H8655"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w chose|strong="H6213"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. 
\v 6 (\w At|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w a|strong="H0369"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H3477"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w thought|strong="H5869"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w right|strong="H3477"\w*.) 
\p
\v 7 \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H5288"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H4940"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w in|strong="H1035"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w living|strong="H1481"\w* \w among|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w tribe|strong="H4940"\w* \w of|strong="H4940"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 8 \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H4672"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* look \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w another|strong="H0376"\w* \w place|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w live|strong="H1481"\w*. \w As|strong="H0834"\w* \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* traveling, \w he|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* land \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Where|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w*?” 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* young man \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H0595"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w am|strong="H0595"\w* \w looking|strong="H4672"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* \w place|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w live|strong="H1980"\w*.” 
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, “\w Live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H3117"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w*. \w Be|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w my|strong="H5414"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* 4 ounces\f + \fr 17:10  \fk 4 ounces \ft Literally, “10 \+add shekels\+add*” (115 g).\f* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w each|strong="H3117"\w* \w year|strong="H3117"\w*. \w I|strong="H0595"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w also|strong="H3117"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w clothes|strong="H0899"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* food.” 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w did|strong="H3117"\w* \w what|strong="H6187"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*. 
\v 11 \w The|strong="H1961"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w agreed|strong="H2974"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w with|strong="H0854"\w* Micah. \w He|strong="H0376"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Micah’s \w own|strong="H1961"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 12 \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* chose \w him|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H5288"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w lived|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 13 \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w good|strong="H3190"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H1961"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w this|strong="H6258"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* man \w from|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*.” 
\c 18  
\s1 Dan Captures the City of Laish 
\p
\v 1 \w At|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Dan \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w still|strong="H5704"\w* \w looking|strong="H1245"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* place \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* own \w land|strong="H5159"\w* \w yet|strong="H3588"\w*. \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w other|strong="H0369"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* already \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w*, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Dan \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w taken|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w* \w yet|strong="H3588"\w*. 
\p
\v 2 \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tribe|strong="H4940"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* look \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w search|strong="H2713"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* good \w place|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* live. These \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w cities|strong="H0935"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Eshtaol|strong="H0847"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* chosen \w because|strong="H0413"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w families|strong="H4940"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H0935"\w*, look \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*.” 
\p \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w spent|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* night \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\v 3 \w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* five \w men|strong="H5288"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w close|strong="H5973"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w heard|strong="H6963"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w voice|strong="H6963"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w recognized|strong="H5234"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w voice|strong="H6963"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5493"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H5288"\w*, “\w Who|strong="H4310"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w place|strong="H1004"\w*? \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*? \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w here|strong="H6311"\w*?” 
\p
\v 4 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* young man \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. “\w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w hired|strong="H7936"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*,” \w he|strong="H6213"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*. “\w I|strong="H2088"\w* \w am|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*.” 
\p
\v 5 \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w ask|strong="H7592"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w if|strong="H0834"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* search \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* place \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w live|strong="H1980"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w be|strong="H0430"\w* \w successful|strong="H6743"\w*.” 
\p
\v 6 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* five \w men|strong="H0559"\w*, “Yes. Go \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* lead \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w on|strong="H1870"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w*.” 
\p
\v 7 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w left|strong="H0935"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Laish \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* city \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w safety|strong="H0983"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* ruled \w by|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Sidon. \w Everything|strong="H0834"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w peaceful|strong="H3427"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w quiet|strong="H8252"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* plenty \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w everything|strong="H0834"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* didn’t \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w any|strong="H0376"\w* enemies \w nearby|strong="H7130"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* hurt \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. \w Also|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H7200"\w* \w long|strong="H7350"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Sidon, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w any|strong="H0376"\w* agreements \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* Aram.\f + \fr 18:7  \fk they did not have … Aram \ft Or “they did not have any dealings with people.”\f* 
\p
\v 8 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* five \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w cities|strong="H0935"\w* \w of|strong="H0251"\w* \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w Eshtaol|strong="H0847"\w*. \w Their|strong="H0935"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w did|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* learn?” 
\p
\v 9 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* five \w men|strong="H0559"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H0776"\w* found \w some|strong="H2009"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H0776"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w should|strong="H3588"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* wait! Let’s \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w take|strong="H3423"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*! 
\v 10 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*, \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w see|strong="H0935"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w plenty|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w plenty|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0430"\w* \w also|strong="H0430"\w* \w see|strong="H0935"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* expecting \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w attack|strong="H0935"\w*. \w Surely|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has|strong="H0430"\w* \w given|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="H5265"\w* 600 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H5265"\w* \w the|strong="H8033"\w* \w tribe|strong="H4940"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Dan \w left|strong="H5265"\w* \w the|strong="H8033"\w* cities \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Eshtaol|strong="H0847"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* ready \w for|strong="H8033"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*. 
\v 12 \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w way|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Laish, \w they|strong="H3651"\w* stopped \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Kiriath|strong="H7157"\w* Jearim \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w land|strong="H4725"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w They|strong="H3651"\w* \w set|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H7121"\w* \w camp|strong="H2583"\w* \w there|strong="H2009"\w*. \w That|strong="H3117"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w why|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* \w west|strong="H0310"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Kiriath|strong="H7157"\w* Jearim \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* Mahaneh Dan\f + \fr 18:12  \fk Mahaneh Dan \ft This name means “The Camp of Dan.”\f* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\v 13 \w From|strong="H0935"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* 600 men \w traveled|strong="H5674"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w five|strong="H2568"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* explored \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w around|strong="H1980"\w* Laish \w spoke|strong="H0559"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, “\w There|strong="H3426"\w* \w is|strong="H4100"\w* \w an|strong="H3588"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w houses|strong="H1004"\w*. \w And|strong="H1980"\w* \w there|strong="H3426"\w* \w are|strong="H0428"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w household|strong="H1004"\w* \w gods|strong="H1980"\w*, \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w carved|strong="H6459"\w* statue, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* silver \w idol|strong="H6459"\w*. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*.” 
\v 15 \w So|strong="H0935"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w stopped|strong="H5493"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Micah’s|strong="H4318"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* lived. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* \w man|strong="H5288"\w* \w how|strong="H7965"\w* \w he|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 16 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* 600 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w stood|strong="H5324"\w* \w at|strong="H4421"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w entrance|strong="H6607"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w all|strong="H0376"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w their|strong="H0834"\w* \w weapons|strong="H3627"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* ready \w for|strong="H3627"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*. 
\v 17-18 The five spies went into the house. The priest stood just outside by the gate with the 600 men who were ready for war. The men took the carved idol, the ephod, the household idols, and the silver idol. The young Levite priest said, “What are you doing?” 
\p
\v 19 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* five \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Be|strong="H1961"\w* quiet! Don’t \w say|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w word|strong="H6310"\w*. \w Come|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w Be|strong="H1961"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w You|strong="H5921"\w* must choose. \w Is|strong="H0376"\w* \w it|strong="H7760"\w* \w better|strong="H2896"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* just \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* whole \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* many \w family|strong="H4940"\w* groups?” 
\p
\v 20 \w This|strong="H0935"\w* \w made|strong="H3190"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Levite \w happy|strong="H3190"\w*. \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w ephod|strong="H0646"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w household|strong="H8655"\w* \w idols|strong="H8655"\w*, \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w idol|strong="H6459"\w*. \w He|strong="H0853"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H3820"\w* Dan. 
\p
\v 21 \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* 600 men \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H6440"\w* Dan \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Levite priest \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w and|strong="H6440"\w* left Micah’s house. \w They|strong="H6440"\w* \w put|strong="H7760"\w* \w their|strong="H7760"\w* \w little|strong="H2945"\w* \w children|strong="H2945"\w*, \w their|strong="H7760"\w* animals, \w and|strong="H6440"\w* all \w their|strong="H7760"\w* things \w in|strong="H6440"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w went|strong="H7368"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* long way \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w place|strong="H1004"\w*. \w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w living|strong="H0376"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* met \w together|strong="H2199"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* began chasing \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w caught|strong="H5973"\w* \w up|strong="H0853"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. 
\v 23 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w shouting|strong="H2199"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w turned|strong="H5437"\w* \w around|strong="H5437"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w*, “\w What’s|strong="H4100"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* problem? \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w shouting|strong="H2199"\w*?” 
\p
\v 24 Micah \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H3947"\w* \w from|strong="H3947"\w* Dan \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w my|strong="H3947"\w* idols. \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* myself. \w You|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w taken|strong="H3947"\w* \w my|strong="H3947"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w left|strong="H5750"\w* \w now|strong="H2088"\w*? \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w can|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H0834"\w* \w ask|strong="H0559"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w*, ‘\w What’s|strong="H2088"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* problem?’” 
\p
\v 25 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H5973"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* better \w not|strong="H0408"\w* argue \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Some|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w our|strong="H8085"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* become angry easily. \w If|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w* \w shout|strong="H6963"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w*, \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w attack|strong="H6293"\w* \w you|strong="H5973"\w*. \w You|strong="H5973"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* \w families|strong="H1004"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w be|strong="H0408"\w* killed.” 
\p
\v 26 \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w around|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w*. \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* knew \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w these|strong="H1992"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w too|strong="H4480"\w* \w strong|strong="H2389"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\p
\v 27 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Dan \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w idols|strong="H6310"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w with|strong="H8313"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* Laish. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w attacked|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* living \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Laish. \w Those|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w peace|strong="H8252"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* expecting \w an|strong="H1961"\w* \w attack|strong="H5221"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* Dan \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w with|strong="H8313"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w burned|strong="H8313"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. 
\v 28 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* Laish \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w anyone|strong="H0120"\w* \w to|strong="H0369"\w* \w rescue|strong="H5337"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* too \w far|strong="H7350"\w* \w from|strong="H5337"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Sidon|strong="H6721"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w to|strong="H0369"\w* help. \w And|strong="H0120"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* Laish \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w any|strong="H0369"\w* agreements \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* Aram—\w so|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* help \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* Laish \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w valley|strong="H6010"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H0369"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w town|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* Beth Rehob. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0120"\w* \w from|strong="H5337"\w* Dan \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* new \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* place, \w and|strong="H0120"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w became|strong="H1697"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* home. 
\v 29 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w gave|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w a|strong="H3205"\w* new \w name|strong="H8034"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w called|strong="H7121"\w* Laish, \w but|strong="H0199"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* changed \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w named|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w after|strong="H8034"\w* \w their|strong="H0834"\w* ancestor \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*, \w one|strong="H7223"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w sons|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\p
\v 30 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w set|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w idol|strong="H6459"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gershom|strong="H1647"\w* \w their|strong="H1961"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*. \w Gershom|strong="H1647"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Moses.\f + \fr 18:30  \fk Moses \ft Or “Manasseh.”\f* \w Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Dan|strong="H1835"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w taken|strong="H1961"\w* \w into|strong="H1540"\w* \w captivity|strong="H1540"\w*. 
\v 31 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0834"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Dan \w set|strong="H7760"\w* \w up|strong="H7760"\w* \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w themselves|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w idol|strong="H6459"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w Micah|strong="H4318"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w*. \w That|strong="H0834"\w* \w idol|strong="H6459"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w*. 
\c 19  
\s1 A Levite and His Woman Servant 
\p
\v 1 \w At|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*. 
\p \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w lived|strong="H1481"\w* \w far|strong="H3411"\w* \w back|strong="H3947"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w taken|strong="H3947"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*. She \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* city \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. 
\v 2 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H1004"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w an|strong="H1961"\w* argument \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w She|strong="H2320"\w* \w left|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w went|strong="H0413"\w* \w back|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w She|strong="H2320"\w* stayed \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w four|strong="H0702"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\v 3 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w kindly|strong="H3820"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w so|strong="H6965"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w she|strong="H3820"\w* \w would|strong="H0376"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H0310"\w* \w took|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w two|strong="H6776"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* Levite \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w her|strong="H5921"\w* \w father’s|strong="H0001"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Her|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Levite \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* greet \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w was|strong="H3820"\w* \w very|strong="H8055"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*. 
\v 4 \w The|strong="H3117"\w* woman’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w* led \w the|strong="H3117"\w* Levite into \w his|strong="H2388"\w* house. \w The|strong="H3117"\w* Levite’s \w father-in-law|strong="H2859"\w* invited \w him|strong="H0854"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w*. \w So|strong="H3427"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* \w ate|strong="H0398"\w*, \w drank|strong="H8354"\w*, \w and|strong="H0398"\w* slept \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w his|strong="H2388"\w* father-in-law’s house. 
\p
\v 5 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w early|strong="H7925"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w was|strong="H1961"\w* getting ready \w to|strong="H0413"\w* leave. \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w young|strong="H5291"\w* woman’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H1961"\w* \w son-in-law|strong="H2860"\w*, “Eat \w something|strong="H3899"\w* \w first|strong="H3117"\w*. \w After|strong="H0310"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* eat, \w you|strong="H3117"\w* can \w go|strong="H6965"\w*.” 
\v 6 \w So|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w and|strong="H0398"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* father-in-law \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w down|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and|strong="H0398"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w together|strong="H3162"\w*. \w After|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w young|strong="H5291"\w* woman’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Levite, “\w Please|strong="H4994"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* tonight. Relax \w and|strong="H0398"\w* enjoy \w yourself|strong="H0413"\w*.” \w So|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w together|strong="H3162"\w*. 
\v 7 \w The|strong="H7725"\w* Levite \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* leave, \w but|strong="H0376"\w* \w his|strong="H7725"\w* \w father-in-law|strong="H2859"\w* persuaded \w him|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* night \w again|strong="H7725"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w*, \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w got|strong="H7925"\w* \w up|strong="H7925"\w* \w early|strong="H7925"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w*. \w He|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* ready \w to|strong="H0559"\w* leave. \w But|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* woman’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H5186"\w* son-in-law, “\w Eat|strong="H0398"\w* something \w first|strong="H3117"\w*. Relax \w and|strong="H0398"\w* stay \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H3117"\w* afternoon.” \w So|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w both|strong="H8147"\w* \w ate|strong="H0398"\w* together \w again|strong="H7925"\w*. 
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Levite, \w his|strong="H0376"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H5291"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w leave|strong="H1980"\w*. \w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* woman’s \w father|strong="H0001"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w It|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w almost|strong="H3117"\w* \w dark|strong="H0168"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w almost|strong="H3117"\w* \w gone|strong="H1980"\w*. \w So|strong="H1980"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* night \w here|strong="H6311"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* enjoy \w yourself|strong="H3824"\w*. \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w morning|strong="H7925"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w can|strong="H4994"\w* \w get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w early|strong="H7925"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w go|strong="H1980"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w your|strong="H4994"\w* \w way|strong="H1870"\w*.” 
\p
\v 10 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* Levite \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w want|strong="H0014"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w another|strong="H0376"\w* night. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w took|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* \w two|strong="H6776"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0376"\w* slave woman. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w traveled|strong="H0935"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Jebus|strong="H2982"\w* (\w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w*, \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*). 
\v 11 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H5288"\w* \w almost|strong="H3966"\w* \w over|strong="H0413"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H1992"\w* \w near|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jebus|strong="H2982"\w*. \w So|strong="H3966"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w servant|strong="H5288"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H5493"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Levite, “\w Let’s|strong="H4994"\w* \w stop|strong="H5493"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w Jebusite|strong="H2983"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w Let’s|strong="H4994"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* night \w here|strong="H2063"\w*.” 
\p
\v 12 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w his|strong="H0834"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w man|strong="H1121"\w*, \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H5674"\w* inside \w a|strong="H0834"\w* strange \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w Those|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w are|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w go|strong="H5674"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*.\f + \fr 19:12  \fk Gibeah \ft Gibeah was a few miles north of Jebus. Jebus was the old name for Jerusalem.\f*” 
\v 13 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Come|strong="H7126"\w* \w on|strong="H0259"\w*. Let’s try \w to|strong="H0559"\w* make \w it|strong="H7126"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w*. We \w can|strong="H0259"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* night \w in|strong="H0176"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H4725"\w* \w those|strong="H7126"\w* cities.” 
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* Levite \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w with|strong="H0935"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w* \w traveled|strong="H5674"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w sun|strong="H8121"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w going|strong="H0935"\w* down \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* city \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* area \w that|strong="H0834"\w* belongs \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0935"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. 
\v 15 \w They|strong="H8033"\w* planned \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w stop|strong="H5493"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* night. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w square|strong="H7339"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w down|strong="H3427"\w*, \w but|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w invited|strong="H0622"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w stay|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* night. 
\p
\v 16 \w That|strong="H1931"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w an|strong="H4480"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w into|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*. \w His|strong="H0376"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*, \w but|strong="H0376"\w* \w now|strong="H2009"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w living|strong="H1481"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. (\w The|strong="H0935"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin.) 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w traveler|strong="H0732"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w public|strong="H7200"\w* \w square|strong="H7339"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Where|strong="H0575"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0935"\w* \w going|strong="H0935"\w*? \w Where|strong="H0575"\w* \w did|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H0935"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w*?” 
\p
\v 18 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* Levite \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w where|strong="H8033"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H5704"\w* \w visit|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Now|strong="H0369"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w am|strong="H0589"\w* \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w my|strong="H3068"\w* \w way|strong="H1980"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*,\f + \fr 19:18  \fk home \ft This is from the ancient Greek version, which has “to my house.” The standard Hebrew text has “to the LORD’S house.”\f* \w which|strong="H8033"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w a|strong="H5704"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w* \w way|strong="H1980"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w hill|strong="H2022"\w* \w country|strong="H2022"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Ephraim|strong="H0669"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* expected \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w someone|strong="H0376"\w* \w here|strong="H8033"\w* \w would|strong="H3068"\w* invite \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* night, \w but|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 19 \w We|strong="H3605"\w* already \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w straw|strong="H8401"\w* \w and|strong="H5650"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*. \w There|strong="H0369"\w* \w is|strong="H0369"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w bread|strong="H3899"\w* \w and|strong="H5650"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w me|strong="H5973"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w young|strong="H5288"\w* woman, \w and|strong="H5650"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w*. \w We|strong="H3605"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0369"\w* \w need|strong="H4270"\w* \w anything|strong="H3605"\w*.” 
\p
\v 20 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w old|strong="H2205"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* welcome \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* house. \w I|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* give \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w anything|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w need|strong="H0376"\w*, \w but|strong="H7535"\w* \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* night \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* public \w square|strong="H7339"\w*.” 
\v 21 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* old man \w took|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* Levite \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* people \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w his|strong="H0935"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H0935"\w* \w fed|strong="H0398"\w* \w their|strong="H0398"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*. \w They|strong="H0935"\w* \w washed|strong="H7364"\w* \w their|strong="H0398"\w* \w feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w then|strong="H0935"\w* \w had|strong="H0935"\w* something \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w While|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Levite \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* enjoying \w themselves|strong="H1992"\w*, \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w very|strong="H3190"\w* bad \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w surrounded|strong="H5437"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w began|strong="H0935"\w* beating \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w door|strong="H1817"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* shouted \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w old|strong="H1121"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* owned \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* want \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* sex \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.” 
\p
\v 23 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* old \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w outside|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w My|strong="H0834"\w* friends, \w don’t|strong="H0408"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w such|strong="H2088"\w* \w an|strong="H0935"\w* \w evil|strong="H7489"\w* \w thing|strong="H2088"\w*! \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w a|strong="H0935"\w* guest \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w my|strong="H0834"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*.\f + \fr 19:23  \fk This man … my house \ft At this time it was a custom that if you invited people to be your guests, you had to protect and care for those people.\f* \w Don’t|strong="H0408"\w* commit \w this|strong="H2088"\w* terrible sin. 
\v 24 \w Look|strong="H2009"\w*, \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w my|strong="H3318"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w*. \w She|strong="H2896"\w* \w has|strong="H0376"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* sex \w before|strong="H5869"\w*. \w I|strong="H2009"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w bring|strong="H3318"\w* \w her|strong="H6031"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0376"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* \w now|strong="H4994"\w*. \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w also|strong="H0853"\w* \w has|strong="H0376"\w* \w a|strong="H2088"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H1323"\w*. \w You|strong="H6213"\w* \w can|strong="H6213"\w* use \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w any|strong="H0376"\w* \w way|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* want, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w don’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w such|strong="H2088"\w* \w a|strong="H2088"\w* terrible sin \w against|strong="H0376"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*.” 
\p
\v 25 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* evil \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w would|strong="H0014"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* old \w man|strong="H0376"\w*. \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Levite \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* slave woman \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w put|strong="H7971"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* hurt \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w raped|strong="H3045"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3318"\w*, \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w dawn|strong="H7837"\w*, \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w let|strong="H7971"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w*. 
\v 26 \w At|strong="H1004"\w* \w dawn|strong="H0216"\w*, \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w back|strong="H6437"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w her|strong="H0802"\w* \w master|strong="H0113"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w staying|strong="H8033"\w*. \w She|strong="H0834"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* front \w door|strong="H6607"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w lay|strong="H5307"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w it|strong="H8033"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w daylight|strong="H0216"\w*. 
\p
\v 27 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* Levite \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w early|strong="H1242"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w*. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* \w opened|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w door|strong="H1817"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w outside|strong="H3318"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w fell|strong="H5307"\w* \w across|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* threshold \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w door|strong="H1817"\w*. \w There|strong="H2009"\w* \w was|strong="H0802"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H0802"\w*. \w She|strong="H6965"\w* \w had|strong="H3027"\w* \w fallen|strong="H5307"\w* \w down|strong="H5307"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w door|strong="H1817"\w*. 
\v 28 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w*, “\w Get|strong="H3947"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*; let’s \w go|strong="H6965"\w*.” \w But|strong="H0369"\w* \w there|strong="H0369"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w answer|strong="H6030"\w*. 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* Levite \w put|strong="H3947"\w* \w her|strong="H0413"\w* body \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w donkey|strong="H2543"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w went|strong="H6965"\w* \w home|strong="H4725"\w*. 
\v 29 \w When|strong="H0935"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w took|strong="H3947"\w* \w a|strong="H3947"\w* \w knife|strong="H3979"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w cut|strong="H5408"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w body|strong="H6106"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* 12 \w parts|strong="H5409"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w he|strong="H0853"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 12 \w parts|strong="H5409"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w woman|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* areas \w where|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* lived. 
\v 30 \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w has|strong="H1961"\w* \w ever|strong="H2088"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w before|strong="H5704"\w*. \w We|strong="H5704"\w* \w haven’t|strong="H3808"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w anything|strong="H3605"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w we|strong="H5704"\w* \w came|strong="H1961"\w* \w out|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w Discuss|strong="H1696"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w what|strong="H2088"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*.” 
\c 20  
\s1 The War Between Israel and Benjamin 
\p
\v 1 \w So|strong="H3318"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* joined \w together|strong="H0259"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w together|strong="H0259"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* stand \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*. \w People|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w everywhere|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.\f + \fr 20:1  \fk from everywhere in Israel \ft Literally, “from Dan to Beersheba.”\f* \w Even|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*\f + \fr 20:1  \fk Gilead \ft This area was east of the Jordan River.\f* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 2 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* leaders \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w there|strong="H3605"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w took|strong="H3320"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w places|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* public meeting \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w There|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* 400,000 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H3605"\w*. 
\v 3 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* meeting together \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*. \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H3588"\w* \w how|strong="H0349"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w terrible|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H2063"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w*.” 
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Levite|strong="H3881"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w husband|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w been|strong="H0834"\w* \w murdered|strong="H7523"\w*, \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w them|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* story. \w He|strong="H0834"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w My|strong="H0834"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* area \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w spent|strong="H3885"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* night \w there|strong="H0834"\w*. 
\v 5 \w But|strong="H4191"\w* \w during|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1167"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* came \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* staying. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w surrounded|strong="H5437"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* raped \w my|strong="H5921"\w* slave \w woman|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w she|strong="H6965"\w* \w died|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\v 6 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w took|strong="H0270"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w cut|strong="H5408"\w* \w her|strong="H3605"\w* into \w pieces|strong="H5408"\w*. \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* piece \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H7704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H7704"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 12 \w pieces|strong="H5408"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w lands|strong="H7704"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3478"\w* received. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5159"\w* \w of|strong="H7704"\w* Benjamin \w have|strong="H3478"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* terrible \w thing|strong="H5039"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 7 \w Now|strong="H2009"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w speak|strong="H1697"\w* \w up|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Give|strong="H3051"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* decision \w about|strong="H1697"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w we|strong="H3605"\w* \w should|strong="H3478"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*.” 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w stood|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w same|strong="H0259"\w* time. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w together|strong="H0259"\w*, “\w None|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w us|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w go|strong="H6965"\w* \w home|strong="H1004"\w*. \w No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w us|strong="H0559"\w* \w will|strong="H0376"\w* \w go|strong="H6965"\w* \w back|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. 
\v 9 \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* city \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* throw \w lots|strong="H1486"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w let|strong="H6258"\w* God \w show|strong="H6213"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* lead \w the|strong="H0834"\w* attack. 
\v 10 \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w choose|strong="H3947"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* 100 \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w choose|strong="H3947"\w* 100 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* 1000. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w choose|strong="H3947"\w* 1000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* 10,000. \w These|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w chosen|strong="H3947"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w get|strong="H3947"\w* \w supplies|strong="H6720"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* \w go|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Gibeah \w in|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* area \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H0834"\w* punish \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w for|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* terrible \w thing|strong="H5039"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w among|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.” 
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="H0259"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Gibeah, \w united|strong="H2270"\w* \w together|strong="H0622"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* agreement \w as|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* what \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* doing. 
\v 12 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* message: “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w terrible|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H2063"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w some|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H1961"\w*? 
\v 13 \w Send|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w bad|strong="H7451"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w we|strong="H0834"\w* \w can|strong="H0834"\w* \w put|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w death|strong="H4191"\w*. \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w must|strong="H4191"\w* remove \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w among|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*.” 
\p \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w tribe|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w would|strong="H0014"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H4191"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* messengers \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w other|strong="H0251"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 14 \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w their|strong="H0622"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w They|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* other tribes \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 15 \w The|strong="H3117"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* got 26,000 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* together \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* trained \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w war|strong="H2719"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w also|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H0376"\w* 700 trained \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 16 \w There|strong="H2088"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* \w also|strong="H2088"\w* 700 trained \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H0376"\w* trained \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* left \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*.\f + \fr 20:16  \fk trained … left hand \ft Literally, “restrained in their right hand.”\f* \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w could|strong="H0376"\w* use \w a|strong="H2088"\w* sling \w with|strong="H0413"\w* great skill. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w could|strong="H0376"\w* use \w a|strong="H2088"\w* sling \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w throw|strong="H7049"\w* \w a|strong="H2088"\w* \w stone|strong="H0068"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H2088"\w* \w hair|strong="H8185"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w miss|strong="H2398"\w*! 
\p
\v 17 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w except|strong="H0905"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w gathered|strong="H6485"\w* together 400,000 fighting \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H2088"\w* trained \w soldier|strong="H4421"\w*. 
\v 18 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*. \w At|strong="H3478"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, “\w Which|strong="H4310"\w* tribe \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w be|strong="H1121"\w* \w first|strong="H8462"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w attack|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*?” 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w first|strong="H8462"\w*.” 
\p
\v 19 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w got|strong="H6965"\w* \w up|strong="H6965"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* made \w a|strong="H5921"\w* \w camp|strong="H2583"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 20 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w took|strong="H3318"\w* \w their|strong="H0413"\w* positions \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w battle|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 21 \w Then|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* killed 22,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w battle|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. 
\p
\v 22-23 The Israelites went to the LORD and cried until evening. They asked the LORD, “Should we go to fight the people of Benjamin again? They are our relatives.” 
\p The LORD answered, “Go fight against them.” The men of Israel encouraged each other. So they again went out to fight, as they had done the first day. 
\p
\v 24 \w Then|strong="H7126"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H7126"\w* \w near|strong="H7126"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w This|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* war. 
\v 25 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* attack \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w This|strong="H0428"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w killed|strong="H2719"\w* \w another|strong="H8145"\w* 18,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* trained \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*. 
\p
\v 26 \w Then|strong="H0935"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w down|strong="H3427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w did|strong="H3117"\w* \w not|strong="H1121"\w* eat \w anything|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. 
\v 27 \w The|strong="H3068"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w question|strong="H7592"\w*. (\w In|strong="H0430"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w God’s|strong="H0430"\w* Box \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w at|strong="H3478"\w* Bethel. 
\v 28 \w Phinehas|strong="H6372"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* priest \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w served|strong="H5975"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w there|strong="H5927"\w*. \w Phinehas|strong="H6372"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Eleazar|strong="H0499"\w*. \w Eleazar|strong="H0499"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Aaron|strong="H0175"\w*.) \w The|strong="H0559"\w* Israelites \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*. \w Should|strong="H0518"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w again|strong="H5750"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w fight|strong="H4421"\w* \w against|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*? \w Or|strong="H0518"\w* \w should|strong="H0518"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w stop|strong="H2308"\w* fighting?” 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w answered|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H3318"\w*. \w Tomorrow|strong="H4279"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w help|strong="H4421"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.” 
\p
\v 29 \w Then|strong="H7760"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* army \w of|strong="H1390"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w hid|strong="H7760"\w* some \w men|strong="H3478"\w* \w all|strong="H5439"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* city \w of|strong="H1390"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 30 \w The|strong="H0413"\w* \w army|strong="H5927"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* fight \w against|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w third|strong="H7992"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w got|strong="H5927"\w* ready \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w battle|strong="H3117"\w* \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* done \w before|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 31 \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w came|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* fight \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* backed \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w let|strong="H6471"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* chase \w them|strong="H5221"\w*. \w In|strong="H3478"\w* \w this|strong="H6471"\w* way \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w was|strong="H0834"\w* tricked \w into|strong="H0376"\w* \w leaving|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* far behind \w them|strong="H5221"\w*. 
\p \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w army|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w as|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* done \w before|strong="H4480"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w about|strong="H4480"\w* 30 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H5221"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H5221"\w* \w on|strong="H0259"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* roads. \w One|strong="H0259"\w* road \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* road \w led|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 32 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “We \w are|strong="H1992"\w* winning \w as|strong="H1121"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w*!” 
\p \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* running \w away|strong="H4480"\w*, \w but|strong="H1992"\w* \w it|strong="H6440"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* trick. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w lead|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w away|strong="H4480"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w onto|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* roads. 
\v 33 \w So|strong="H6965"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* ran \w away|strong="H3605"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* stopped \w at|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3478"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w* named Baal Tamar. \w Some|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* hiding west \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* ran \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* hiding \w places|strong="H4725"\w*. 
\v 34 10,000 \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel’s|strong="H3478"\w* best-trained \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w attacked|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* fighting \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w very|strong="H3045"\w* \w heavy|strong="H3513"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w terrible|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* happen \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. 
\p
\v 35 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w used|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w killed|strong="H2719"\w* 25,100 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w been|strong="H3605"\w* trained \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w war|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\v 36 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w defeated|strong="H5062"\w*. 
\p \w The|strong="H0834"\w* army \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* moved \w back|strong="H0413"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* depending \w on|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* surprise attack. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* hiding near \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 37 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H2719"\w* hiding \w rushed|strong="H6584"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H6310"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* spread \w out|strong="H0413"\w* \w and|strong="H2719"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\v 38 \w Now|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* \w plan|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* hiding. \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* hiding \w were|strong="H1961"\w* supposed \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w send|strong="H5927"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* special \w signal|strong="H4864"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* supposed \w to|strong="H1961"\w* make \w a|strong="H1961"\w* big \w cloud|strong="H4864"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w smoke|strong="H6227"\w*. 
\p
\v 39-41 The army of Benjamin had killed about 30 Israelite soldiers. So the men of Benjamin were saying, “We are winning, as before.” But then a big cloud of smoke began to rise from the city. The men of Benjamin turned around and saw the smoke. The whole city was on fire. Then the army of Israel stopped running away. They turned around and began to fight. The men of Benjamin were afraid because they knew that a terrible thing had happened to them. 
\p
\v 42 \w So|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin ran \w away|strong="H6437"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w army|strong="H4421"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* ran \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w But|strong="H0376"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w could|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H1870"\w* escape \w the|strong="H0853"\w* fighting. \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w came|strong="H0413"\w* \w out|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3478"\w* killed \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 43 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* men \w of|strong="H1390"\w* Israel \w surrounded|strong="H3803"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* men \w of|strong="H1390"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and|strong="H0853"\w* began \w chasing|strong="H7291"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* did not let \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w rest|strong="H4496"\w*. \w They|strong="H5704"\w* defeated \w them|strong="H0853"\w* \w in|strong="H1144"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* area \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w of|strong="H1390"\w* \w Gibeah|strong="H1390"\w*. 
\v 44 \w So|strong="H0853"\w* 18,000 \w brave|strong="H2428"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w strong|strong="H2428"\w* fighters \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w were|strong="H0428"\w* \w killed|strong="H5307"\w*. 
\p
\v 45 \w The|strong="H0413"\w* army \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin \w turned|strong="H6437"\w* \w around|strong="H0310"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* place called \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rock|strong="H5553"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Rimmon|strong="H7417"\w*, \w but|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* army \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Israel \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 5000 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Benjamin \w along|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* roads. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* kept \w chasing|strong="H0310"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* chased \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w a|strong="H4480"\w* place named \w Gidom|strong="H1440"\w*. \w The|strong="H0413"\w* army \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Israel \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* 2000 \w more|strong="H4480"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Benjamin \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w that|strong="H4480"\w* place. 
\p
\v 46 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* 25,000 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H2719"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w them|strong="H0853"\w* fought bravely \w with|strong="H0376"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w*. 
\v 47 \w But|strong="H0376"\w* 600 \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin \w ran|strong="H5127"\w* \w into|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0413"\w* place called \w the|strong="H0413"\w* \w Rock|strong="H5553"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Rimmon|strong="H7417"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w four|strong="H0702"\w* \w months|strong="H2320"\w*. 
\v 48 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* land \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w killed|strong="H5221"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H0376"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w animals|strong="H0929"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*. \w They|strong="H0376"\w* \w destroyed|strong="H5221"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w could|strong="H1571"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* burned \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w they|strong="H0376"\w* \w came|strong="H0413"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\c 21  
\s1 Getting Wives for the Men of Benjamin 
\p
\v 1 \w At|strong="H3478"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w*. \w This|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w*: “\w Not|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w let|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w marry|strong="H0802"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*.” 
\p
\v 2 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* Israelites \w went|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* city \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w*. \w There|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w evening|strong="H6153"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w* \w loudly|strong="H6963"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\v 3 \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w*, “\w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*, \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* terrible \w thing|strong="H0259"\w* \w happened|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w us|strong="H3117"\w*? \w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w taken|strong="H1961"\w* away?” 
\p
\v 4 \w Early|strong="H7925"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w next|strong="H4283"\w* \w day|strong="H4283"\w*, \w the|strong="H1129"\w* Israelites \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w an|strong="H1129"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w put|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt|strong="H5930"\w* \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w and|strong="H4196"\w* fellowship \w offerings|strong="H8002"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* God \w on|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H1961"\w* \w altar|strong="H4196"\w*. 
\v 5 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Are|strong="H0834"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w here|strong="H4191"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* meet \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H0413"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*?” \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* question \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H1961"\w* serious \w promise|strong="H3068"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H0559"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* together \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w killed|strong="H4191"\w*. 
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* felt \w sorry|strong="H5162"\w* \w for|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H3117"\w* \w relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Today|strong="H3117"\w*, \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w has|strong="H3478"\w* been separated \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 7 \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w oath|strong="H7650"\w* before \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w promised|strong="H7650"\w* \w not|strong="H1115"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w marry|strong="H0802"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* man \w from|strong="H3068"\w* Benjamin. \w How|strong="H4100"\w* \w can|strong="H4100"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* sure \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w men|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Benjamin \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*?” 
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w asked|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w Which|strong="H0834"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w*? \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w together|strong="H0259"\w* \w before|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Surely|strong="H2009"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* family \w was|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w here|strong="H2009"\w*!” \w Then|strong="H2009"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* found \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H0259"\w* \w from|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* met \w together|strong="H0259"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w other|strong="H0259"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 9 \w The|strong="H6485"\w* Israelites \w counted|strong="H6485"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0369"\w* \w see|strong="H2009"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w and|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w found|strong="H0369"\w* \w that|strong="H6485"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w from|strong="H0376"\w* \w Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*. 
\v 10 \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* Israelites \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* 12,000 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w*, “\w Go|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w use|strong="H7971"\w* \w your|strong="H7971"\w* \w swords|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w kill|strong="H5221"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H0376"\w* \w lives|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w even|strong="H0853"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*. 
\v 11 \w You|strong="H0834"\w* must \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w*! \w You|strong="H0834"\w* must kill \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w man|strong="H2145"\w* \w in|strong="H0802"\w* Jabesh Gilead \w and|strong="H0802"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* sexual \w relations|strong="H3045"\w* \w with|strong="H3045"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w man|strong="H2145"\w*. \w But|strong="H0834"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H2088"\w* kill \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w woman|strong="H0802"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w has|strong="H0834"\w* never \w had|strong="H0834"\w* sex \w with|strong="H3045"\w* \w a|strong="H0834"\w* \w man|strong="H2145"\w*.” \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* soldiers \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w*.\f + \fr 21:11  \fk But do not kill … these things \ft This is from the ancient Greek version.\f* 
\v 12 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* 12,000 \w soldiers|strong="H0376"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* 400 \w young|strong="H5291"\w* \w women|strong="H1330"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* sex \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w a|strong="H4672"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w these|strong="H0834"\w* \w women|strong="H1330"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w camp|strong="H4264"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3667"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israelites \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w a|strong="H7121"\w* message \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* offered \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w make|strong="H7121"\w* \w peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w place|strong="H3605"\w* \w named|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Rock|strong="H5553"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Rimmon|strong="H7417"\w*. 
\v 14 \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* men \w of|strong="H0802"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w came|strong="H4672"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* Israel. \w The|strong="H0834"\w* Israelites \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jabesh|strong="H3003"\w* \w Gilead|strong="H1568"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* killed. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w there|strong="H4672"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w enough|strong="H4672"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H6256"\w* all \w the|strong="H0834"\w* men \w of|strong="H0802"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. 
\p
\v 15 \w The|strong="H3588"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* felt \w sorry|strong="H5162"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* felt \w sorry|strong="H5162"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* separated \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* other \w tribes|strong="H7626"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. 
\v 16 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H2205"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* Israelites \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H2205"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H2205"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w have|strong="H3588"\w* been killed. \w Where|strong="H4100"\w* \w can|strong="H4100"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* get \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H2205"\w* \w of|strong="H2205"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w who|strong="H0802"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w still|strong="H0559"\w* alive? 
\v 17 \w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H3478"\w* \w of|strong="H7626"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w who|strong="H3478"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* \w still|strong="H0559"\w* alive \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3478"\w* children \w to|strong="H0559"\w* continue \w their|strong="H3808"\w* families. This \w must|strong="H3808"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* done \w so|strong="H3808"\w* \w that|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H3808"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* die \w out|strong="H4229"\w*! 
\v 18 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w marry|strong="H0802"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w have|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H5414"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w*: ‘Bad \w things|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* happen \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3588"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w gives|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w a|strong="H3588"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*.’ 
\v 19 \w We|strong="H0834"\w* \w have|strong="H0834"\w* \w an|strong="H0559"\w* idea! \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w LORD|strong="H3068"\w* \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w*. \w This|strong="H0834"\w* \w festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* celebrated \w every|strong="H3117"\w* \w year|strong="H3117"\w* \w there|strong="H2009"\w*.” (\w The|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w north|strong="H6828"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* road \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w goes|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H5927"\w* \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w Shechem|strong="H7927"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w it|strong="H3068"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \w south|strong="H5045"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* city \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Lebonah|strong="H3829"\w*.) 
\p
\v 20 \w So|strong="H6680"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* elders \w told|strong="H0559"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* about \w their|strong="H6680"\w* idea. \w They|strong="H0559"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w*, “Go \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w hide|strong="H0693"\w* \w in|strong="H0693"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w*. 
\v 21 \w Watch|strong="H7200"\w* \w for|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w time|strong="H3318"\w* during \w the|strong="H7200"\w* festival \w when|strong="H7200"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* young \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w* \w come|strong="H1980"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w join|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w dancing|strong="H4246"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w run|strong="H1980"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w where|strong="H2009"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w are|strong="H0376"\w* hiding \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w*. \w Each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w you|strong="H0518"\w* \w should|strong="H0376"\w* \w take|strong="H1980"\w* \w one|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* young \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* city \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Shiloh|strong="H7887"\w*. \w Take|strong="H1980"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w of|strong="H0776"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w marry|strong="H0802"\w* \w them|strong="H3318"\w*. 
\v 22 \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w or|strong="H0176"\w* \w brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* young \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w and|strong="H0935"\w* \w complain|strong="H7378"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3588"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w say|strong="H0559"\w*, ‘\w Be|strong="H1961"\w* kind \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin. \w Let|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w marry|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w could|strong="H0376"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w get|strong="H3947"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w during|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w war|strong="H4421"\w*. \w And|strong="H0935"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* willingly \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of|strong="H0376"\w* Benjamin, \w so|strong="H3947"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* break \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w promise|strong="H0559"\w*.’” 
\p
\v 23 \w So|strong="H3651"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w what|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w*. \w While|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w young|strong="H1121"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w were|strong="H0834"\w* dancing, \w each|strong="H0802"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* caught \w one|strong="H0802"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w They|strong="H0834"\w* \w took|strong="H5375"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w* \w away|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w married|strong="H0802"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. \w Then|strong="H0853"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w went|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H5375"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w*. \w The|strong="H0853"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H0834"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w them|strong="H0413"\w*. 
\v 24 \w Then|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H8033"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* home. \w They|strong="H8033"\w* \w went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w their|strong="H8033"\w* \w own|strong="H0376"\w* \w land|strong="H5159"\w* \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w tribe|strong="H7626"\w*. 
\p
\v 25 \w In|strong="H3478"\w* \w those|strong="H0376"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H0369"\w* \w have|strong="H0369"\w* \w a|strong="H0369"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w everyone|strong="H0376"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* whatever \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w thought|strong="H5869"\w* \w was|strong="H0369"\w* \w right|strong="H3477"\w*. 