Definition: And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set [the battle] in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 19:17 together. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about God's plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes David’s preparations for a major battle. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it was told David…” : This tells us the story is coming from a record or account given to David. Think of it as a historical account that's been passed down through generations. “…and he gathered all Israel…” : This means David organized and brought together all the Israelites – the people who lived in the land of Judah. It’s a massive gathering, representing the entire nation. “And passed over Jordan…” : This refers to the Jordan River, which was a significant boundary between Israel and its enemies. David needed to cross it. “…and came upon them, and set [the battle] in array against them.” : This is the key part! He actively prepared for a battle. He arranged his forces – soldiers, chariots, etc. – in a specific formation ready to fight. “Set an array” means he organized everything meticulously. “So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians…” : This is where it gets even more significant. He was preparing for a conflict with the Syrian people, who were a powerful and aggressive group. What’s happening here? This verse speaks to the beginning of David’s leadership as King of Israel. It shows that he understood the importance of being prepared for challenges and enemies. It's a sign that he was taking the initiative and actively working to protect his people. Why is this important? It highlights David’s bravery: He wasn't just passively waiting; he actively planned and organized for a fight. It shows God’s sovereignty: The verse speaks of God’s plan, and David was acting in accordance with that plan – setting the stage for a significant battle. In short, this verse is about David’s preparation for war and God's ultimate plan for his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse further? Connect it to a broader biblical theme (like faith, leadership, or warfare)?