Definition: And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 21:16 together. It's a really significant and dramatic moment in the book of Scripture! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very special encounter between God and David. It’s happening right before the Israelites begin to leave Jerusalem after a long siege. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And David lifted up his eyes…” - This is the starting point – David is looking upwards, focused on something above. “…and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven…” - This is a classic image in biblical stories. The “angel of the Lord” isn’t just some random person; it's God himself! He’s positioned as a powerful, divine figure separating the world we live in from the spiritual realm – the "earth" and "heaven." It’s like a boundary or a veil. “…having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem.” - This is the most striking part. The angel of the Lord isn't just standing there; he’s holding a sword! This sword represents God’s power and judgment, and it's being extended over the city of Jerusalem – which was about to be attacked. It’s a symbol of impending doom and divine wrath. “Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth…” - The elders of Israel, usually leaders and officials, are now wrapped in sackcloth . Sackcloth is a very simple, dark cloth – it represents shame, grief, and surrender. They’re covering themselves as a sign of deep sorrow and recognizing the seriousness of what's happening. So, what’s the overall message? This verse paints a picture of a pivotal moment: God is showing Himself powerfully. He’s not just looking down; He's actively intervening in the world, displaying his authority and power. It’s a sign that God is about to deliver judgment upon those who have disobeyed him. Why is this important? This passage is considered one of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament, setting the stage for the Israelites' departure from Jerusalem. It highlights: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control and actively involved in events. Judgment and Consequences: This event foreshadows God’s judgment on those who reject him. Preparedness: The elders’ sackcloth emphasizes that they are aware of the coming storm and are anticipating it. In short, this verse captures a moment of intense divine presence and impending action – a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this passage to a specific story or theme in the Bible?