Definition: And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:22. It's a really important part of understanding a significant event in ancient Israel’s history. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: “When they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were coming against Judah.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When they began to sing and to praise…” – This is key. It means that during a time of great national pride and celebration, the Israelites (and their enemies) started praising God. It was a moment of joy and confidence in their nation. “…the LORD set ambushments against…” – This is where it gets dramatic. The Lord, God, deliberately prepared a dangerous situation for these people. He created obstacles and dangers to stop them from continuing their celebration and moving forward. Think of it like setting traps for someone who’s about to do something big. “…the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir…” – These were groups of people from the region of southwestern Israel (including parts of modern-day Lebanon and Syria). They were actively attacking Judah, which was a key part of the kingdom of Israel at that time. “…which were come against Judah…” - They were specifically targeting the Israelites themselves, pushing them further away from Jerusalem. “and they were smitten.” – This is the most impactful part. The Lord struck these enemies with a powerful and devastating force – a storm of destruction. It wasn't just a battle; it was a complete annihilation (being completely destroyed). What’s the Big Picture? This verse tells us about a time of great danger for Israel. The Israelites were celebrating, which seemed like a good thing, but their actions led to conflict and ultimately, a devastating loss for them. It's a reminder that even when we feel joyful and confident, it’s important to be aware of potential threats and dangers around us. In essence, this verse is about divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights God's protection of his people and a warning against straying from His path. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from biblical history?