Definition: And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, [Even] by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:14. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage about a conflict and a man's arrogance. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Ahab is Furious: The story begins with King Ahab, who was incredibly angry and disrespectful towards God. He wanted to make himself powerful and important. He Asks for an Order: Ahab then asked the LORD – God – to tell him what to do about a battle. He was essentially trying to usurp God's authority. The Response: The LORD replies, “You.” This is where it gets significant. The LORD isn’t giving Ahab a specific plan; he’s simply stating that he is the one who needs to decide. What It Means – Simple Breakdown: “By whom?” - He's Asking for Authority: Ahab was trying to be in charge of the battle, like a king himself. “Thus saith the LORD” – God’s Word: This is a direct quote from the Bible and emphasizes that this decision comes directly from God. It's not about Ahab's plan; it's about God’s will. “[Even] by the young men of the princes of the provinces” - He’s Asking for a Team: The LORD is asking for a group of trusted leaders – the princes of the provinces – to command the battle. It’s not just one person, but a team of advisors and commanders. “Then he said, Who shall order the battle?” – He's Asserting His Power: Ahab confidently declares that he is in charge of the battle – even though he doesn’t have the authority to do so. Key Takeaway: This verse highlights a dangerous shift in power when a person tries to challenge God's authority. It shows how arrogance and a desire for control can lead to conflict with divine guidance. It emphasizes that true leadership comes from following God, not from trying to dominate him. --- To help me explain it even better and answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., the context of the story, what does “young men” mean?)