Definition: And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods [are] gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:23. It's a really dramatic passage about a conflict and a shift in power. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem Begins: The story starts with the servants of King Antiochus (a powerful ruler in Syria) telling their people that the gods of the mountains were stronger than the king’s own gods. They Challenge the King: They’re essentially saying, “We believe our gods are more important and have a greater connection to the divine.” A Warning: Antiochus then tells his people to fight against these gods in the open fields. He wants them to demonstrate their power and force the gods to yield. What it's about – A Shift in Power & Faith: This verse isn’t just a simple battle; it’s a significant shift in how the story unfolds: The Gods are Seen as Weak: The key point is that Antiochus’s gods were considered less powerful than his own. This challenged the established religious order and the king's authority. A Call to Action: Antiochus urged the people to take action, not just to defend themselves but to prove their strength . He was essentially saying, "We need to show the gods we can overcome them." The Significance – A Moment of Crisis & Divine Intervention: This verse is a pivotal moment in the Old Testament. It’s considered one of the earliest examples of: Divine Intervention: God interrupts the situation and decides to intervene. He isn't just watching; He actively wants things to happen. The Rise of David: The most important part is that this event ultimately sets the stage for the rise of David as King. It’s a sign that God is willing to use human conflict to demonstrate His power and bring about a shift in fate. It's a reminder that even seemingly powerful forces can be challenged by a higher power. In short, it's a story about challenging authority, demonstrating strength, and ultimately, a divine plan leading to a significant change in events. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or themes in the Bible?