Definition: And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:12. It’s a really important passage about God’s judgment and ultimately, a glimmer of hope. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a period in Israel’s history where they were facing serious trouble – a time of great hardship and potential disaster. It says that when King Hezekiah (a very important king) humble himself – meaning he showed repentance, acknowledged his mistakes, and sought forgiveness – God turned away from sending him to destroy them all. Let's unpack it: “And when he humbled himself…” This is the key part. It means Hezekiah was willing to admit that he was wrong, that he had done something terrible, and that he needed to change. It wasn’t about being angry or upset; it was about recognizing a problem and wanting to fix it. “…the wrath of the LORD turned from him…” “Wrath” means anger or fury. The Lord (God) was furious at Hezekiah because of his actions. This is a dramatic statement – it means God wasn’t just angry; he was actively rejecting His plan for Israel. “…that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.” This part is a little more nuanced. It says that because Hezekiah humbled himself, God didn't send him to completely obliterate the entire nation of Judah (a large area). Instead, things did go well – there was peace, prosperity, and stability. What does it mean? This verse is a story about a turning point in history. It’s not just about Hezekiah's actions being "good" or "bad." It highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. It suggests that even when we make mistakes, and even if we are causing trouble, God can still work for good – sometimes through a process of correction. In essence, it’s a story about God's mercy and His willingness to forgive, even when people fall short. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God. It’s a reminder that we all need to be humble and willing to turn away from our mistakes. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in more detail? Give an example of how this story might be interpreted today?