Definition: Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 14:14. It’s a pretty powerful message about protecting yourself spiritually. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to stay away from things that are tempting or harmful to your spiritual life. Specifically, it warns against being drawn into negative influences and situations that could damage your relationship with God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “David inquired again of God…” – This means David was feeling confused or worried about something. He wasn't just passively accepting things; he was asking for guidance. “…and God said unto him, Go not up after them…” – God is saying that you need to avoid those people or situations. It’s a direct instruction from the divine. “Turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.” – This is the key part. It gives us a very vivid picture: "Turn away from them" : This means to avoid those who are causing you trouble, leading you astray, or tempting you with something that doesn’t align with your faith. “Come upon them over against the mulberry trees” : This is a metaphor. “Mulberry trees” represent a safe and secure place – a place of peace, righteousness, and God’s favor. So, coming over against them means to come face-to-face with those who are leading you down a path of sin and temptation. In short, the verse is telling us to protect ourselves spiritually by avoiding things that will pull you away from God. It's about prioritizing your relationship with Him above all else. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that our minds can be vulnerable – they can be influenced by worldly desires and negativity. By focusing on God, we are safeguarding ourselves against temptation and staying aligned with His will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Chronicles 14? Give you some examples of things that might tempt someone? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?