Definition: Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty dramatic and intense verse from 1 Chronicles, and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about facing a terrifying and overwhelming threat – the destruction of Israel by its enemies. It's a warning from God to the King (and potentially all Israelites) to be prepared for something incredibly bad. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “1 Chronicles 21:12” : This is the verse itself, coming from the book of Chronicles in the Bible. It's a significant passage. “Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes…” : This suggests a severe drought and hardship is about to come. “’” means “or.” This part says that there could be either a long period of starvation (a famine) or a rapid, devastating attack by enemies. “…while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]…” : This is where it gets really intense. "Overtake" means to overtake or surpass. The enemy is moving quickly and aggressively – they’re rapidly gaining ground. “The sword of thine enemies” refers to the Israelites being attacked by their foes. “…or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land…” : This is a really striking image. It says that for three days , the power of God (represented by the Lord) will be unleashed – specifically through a plague or disease (the “pestilence”) - causing widespread devastation and death. “And the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel.” : This is a powerful phrase, "the angel of the LORD." It’s a direct reference to God’s mighty power and judgment. “Destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel” means that this destruction will be felt across the entire land. “Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.” : This is a plea from God, asking for wisdom and guidance. It’s essentially saying, "Help me understand what message you want to deliver to me." Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a time when the Israelites are facing an almost impossible challenge. They're vulnerable because their enemies are rapidly advancing and causing immense suffering. God is warning them that they need to be ready for this threat, not just with preparation but also with understanding and faith. It’s a call to repentance, urging them to focus on God's protection and seek His guidance amidst this crisis. Why is it important? This passage highlights several key themes: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control of events, even when they seem chaotic. The Power of God: He is capable of immense destruction and restoration. Preparedness and Faith: It emphasizes the importance of being ready to defend oneself against danger, but also relying on God's protection. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Perhaps we could talk about: The meaning of “pestilence”? What does "the angel of the LORD" represent?