Definition: Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to [thine] hurt, that thou shouldest fall, [even] thou, and Judah with thee?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 25:19. It's a really powerful and complex passage about leadership and pride. Here’s my explanation, aiming for clarity and understanding: The Basic Situation: King David was facing a major problem – the Edomites (a group of people in the region to the east) had attacked Judah (which is now part of Israel). David felt intensely angry and humiliated by this loss. He started to think about boasting, about getting praise for his victory, and ultimately, about not doing anything to help Judah. Let’s unpack the key parts: “Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast…” - This is David's immediate reaction. He’s acknowledging that he did win the battle against the Edomites. The word "smitten" means deeply hurt or defeated. He’s saying, “I won! I am proud!” This highlights a moment of pride and self-importance. "...and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast..." - This is crucial . It's not just about feeling good; it’s about excessive pride. David is starting to think he needs to be the center of attention, that he deserves praise for his victory. He's prioritizing his own ego over helping others. "...abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to [thine] hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?" - This is the most important part. David is asking a question: “Why should I interfere? Why should I get involved in what happened to Judah?” Let’s break down the wording: “abide now at home” : He's suggesting he should stay put and not take any action. "why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt..." : This is the core of the verse. David is questioning if his interference will cause harm to Judah. He’s asking, “Is it right for me to get involved in something that could cause suffering?” "...that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?" : This is a very serious warning! It suggests that if David continues to interfere, he will be held accountable. He’s saying that his own pride and actions (and the suffering of Judah) could lead to his downfall. The Overall Meaning & Context: This passage highlights a dangerous tendency in leadership: excessive pride and a desire for personal glory can lead to destructive consequences. David, in this moment, is demonstrating this flaw. He’s prioritizing his own comfort and self-importance over the well-being of others, and that's why he asks this challenging question. Why it’s important: It's a reminder that true leadership isn't about seeking praise for yourself but about serving God and helping people. It’s about humility and prioritizing the needs of others. --- To help me explain further, could you tell me: What specifically are you finding confusing or challenging about this verse? (e.g., Are you struggling to understand why it's a warning?) Are there any particular aspects you'd like me to focus on – perhaps the idea of pride, or the consequences of interfering?