Definition: But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 25:7. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about leadership and God's plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning King David about a potential danger – that the army of Israel might be taken by someone other than God. It’s saying, “Be careful! Don’t let anyone else lead you or your people into a situation where they are not under the protection and guidance of God.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But there came a man of God…” - This refers to someone who is considered to be a leader, possibly even a powerful figure. “…to him” – This person is speaking to King David. “saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee…” – They’re telling him that he should not allow anyone else to lead the Israelites. “[is] not with Israel…” - This is the key part. The word “is” here means "is" or "exists." It's a crucial point. It’s saying that God doesn't want someone who isn't truly a representative of Him to lead them. “[to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.” - This is where it gets a little tricky. “Children of Ephraim” refers to the people of the northern tribes of Israel – the descendants of Jacob (who was the patriarch of the Israelites). It's emphasizing that this isn’t just about any leader; it's specifically about someone who isn’t seen as having the blessing and authority of God. What does this mean practically? Historically, this verse is interpreted to mean that David should have been mindful that someone outside of his family or immediate circle might be tempted to lead Israel in a way that would jeopardize their relationship with God. It’s a warning against potential corruption and disobedience from within the leadership structure. Why was this important? This verse is found in a very challenging situation for David. He's facing opposition from his own people, and he's worried about being led astray by someone who isn’t truly God’s representative. It shows a serious concern for the spiritual well-being of his kingdom. In short: This verse is a warning to King David – don’t let anyone else lead you, especially someone who isn’t recognized as an instrument of God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context? Talk about its significance in biblical prophecy?