Definition: Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that [were] with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 18:30. It’s a really important and serious warning about war. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us that it’s crucial to be cautious and avoid large-scale conflict, especially when dealing with Israel. The king of Syria was commanding his soldiers – essentially, his army – to fight anyway , regardless of the size or strength of the opposing force. Let's unpack it: “Now the king of Syria had commanded…” : This means a powerful ruler (the king of Syria) gave an order for his troops to attack. “[were] with him” : This is key – he was with them, accompanying them on their campaign. “saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.” This is the crucial part. The king of Syria was urging his soldiers to only fight each other. He wanted a battle between just the two sides – not against a larger army. What does this mean practically? It’s a warning about potential war. It suggests that if Israel were attacked, it would be a conflict only between them and the king of Syria. The verse emphasizes the importance of remaining peaceful and avoiding large-scale battles to protect Israel from harm. Why is this important? This passage is part of a larger story in the Bible about the dangers of war and the need for peace. It highlights that even seemingly small conflicts can have significant consequences, especially when they involve powerful rulers like the king of Syria. In short, it’s telling us to be vigilant and avoid unnecessary conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give a little more context about the history behind this passage? Discuss its significance in a broader biblical theme (like peace)?