Definition: And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our] captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 13:12 together. It's a really important and serious message about a time of conflict. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is actively involved in helping Israel during a difficult time. He’s sending a powerful sign to warn them about a dangerous situation. Let’s unpack the parts: “And, behold…” : This phrase is like saying “Here’s what’s happening” or "It's important to know this." It’s a way of introducing something significant. “…God himself [is] with us…” : This means God isn’t just observing the situation; He’s actively participating and helping. He’s offering his support and strength. “…for [our] captain…” : This is a figurative way of saying “for our leader” or “for our people.” It refers to Israel, specifically its leaders and their people. "...and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you.” : Priests were responsible for warning the people about dangers. The "trumpets" are a symbolic way of saying they were signaling something important – a warning! “O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers…” : This is the most crucial part. It’s telling them to stop fighting against God. They're being warned to stop acting like they're challenging him or defying his will. "...for ye shall not prosper.” : This means that if they continue on their current path, they won’t be successful or prosperous – meaning they won't have a good life or achieve their goals. In short: God is sending a strong warning to Israel to stop fighting against him and to focus on following his instructions. It’s a message about respecting God’s authority and avoiding disobedience. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse often points to a time of trouble – perhaps a rebellion, or a growing threat to Israel's safety. It's a call for obedience and faithfulness to God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you an analogy that helps illustrate the message? Discuss what this verse might be related to in biblical history?