Definition: Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 18:20. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling verse, and it gets to the heart of how God deals with temptation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a spirit – an angel – that starts to try and persuade God to give in to its desires. It’s essentially a challenge to God's authority! Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then there came out a spirit…” - This refers to an unseen being, likely a demon or an angel, that begins to actively try and influence God. “…and stood before the LORD…” – God is in charge, and this spirit is trying to get his attention. It’s speaking to Him directly. “and said, I will entice him.” - This is the crucial part. The spirit is trying to persuade God to do something he’s not comfortable with, or that might be bad for the kingdom. It's subtly suggesting a tempting offer. “And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?” – This is where it gets really significant. God immediately intervenes and asks what the spirit wants to do. It’s a question of control and authority! What does this mean in terms of temptation? This verse speaks to the temptation to disobey God's commands, especially when it comes to things like sin or disobedience. It highlights that sometimes, our desires can lead us down a path that goes against what is right and good. Why is this important? God’s Sovereignty: It reminds us that God is in complete control of all things – including our choices and temptations. Divine Guidance: It shows us that God has a way to stop the spirit before it can cause real harm or rebellion. In short, this verse is a warning about the dangers of yielding to temptation and emphasizes God’s power to protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail (like its historical context)? Talk about how this story relates to other biblical themes like sin and redemption?