Definition: And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 25:16. It’s a really intense and dramatic passage about a king who is facing a terrible consequence for his actions. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: King Saul is in a very difficult situation. He’s been making a series of disastrous decisions, leading to the downfall of Israel. A prophet named Elijah arrives and confronts him. What’s Happening – It’s About a Plan for Destruction: Elijah says, “I know that God has determined to destroy you.” This isn't just a feeling; it’s a clear, undeniable prophecy. He believes this king is about to be utterly destroyed by God. The King's Response - A Plea for Silence: The king, Saul, tries to argue and defend himself. He asks, “Art thou made of the king’s counsel? Forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten?” This is a crucial part – he’s trying to convince Elijah that he’s not responsible for this situation. He's asking if he has any influence from the King or his advisors. The Prophet's Response - A Dark Warning: Then, the prophet Elijah responds with a very harsh warning: “I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.” This is where it gets really heavy. “God hath determined…” : This means God has made up his mind to bring about something terrible. “…because thou hast done this…” : He’s pointing to Saul's specific actions – the disastrous decisions he’s making. “…and hast not hearkened unto my counsel?” : This is the core of the message. He’s saying Saul failed to listen to Elijah’s advice, and that this failure is the cause of his impending doom. In short, the verse paints a picture of a king who has violated God’s will and is about to face severe punishment. What's the Significance? This passage highlights several important themes: Divine Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events, even when humans seem to be causing problems. The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that obedience to God’s commands is essential for avoiding disaster. Responsibility & Consequences: The verse underscores the idea that we are accountable for our choices and will face consequences for them. --- Would you like me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Israel’s history? For example, I could talk about: The context of Saul's disobedience. The significance of Elijah's role as a prophet.