Definition: And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that [were] beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer [went] before them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 19:16. It’s a bit complex, but we can understand it as a warning about a coming conflict. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: The Syrians are attacking Israel: The verse describes the Syrian army – specifically, the group called Hadarezer – planning to attack Israel. They’re seen as a serious threat. They send messengers: To understand what’s happening, we need to know that the Syrian army is sending messengers to try and find out what's going on. They send messengers beyond the river: This is the crucial part. The messengers are heading towards a specific location – likely a point on the border between Israel and Syria. Shophach leads the charge: A key figure, named Shophach, is in charge of leading the Syrian forces. Putting it all together - What’s happening? The verse describes a deliberate attempt by the Syrians to find out what's going on with Israel. They are sending messengers to a specific location (beyond the river) and Shophach is leading them. This suggests they’re trying to understand why Israel is being attacked. What does this mean? This verse paints a picture of impending conflict and potential disaster. It's a warning about a larger war brewing, where the Syrians are actively seeking to destabilize Israel. It implies that there might be a significant battle or struggle coming up. Important Note: The verse doesn’t give us a detailed account of what will happen, just that there is an attempt to understand the situation. --- To help me explain it even better and tailor it for you, could you tell me: What are you hoping to learn from this passage? (e.g., Are you curious about the context of the war? Are you trying to understand a particular theme?)