Definition: But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? [I come] not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from [meddling with] God, who [is] with me, that he destroy thee not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 35:21. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about King David and his actions. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was leading an army into Jerusalem. He was essentially invading the city, and he was making a big deal of it – he was acting like a king, even though he wasn't officially recognized as one. He was trying to be too powerful and demanding things from God. What the Verse Says: “But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah?” – This is David acknowledging that he’s in a conflict with God. He's admitting he’s fighting against something higher than himself. “[I come] not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from [meddling with] God, who [is] with me, that he destroy thee not.” – This is the core of it. David says he's not attacking God directly. He’s saying, “I’m not trying to conquer you; I’m trying to stop you from interfering with God’s plan.” He’s invoking a command from God (a "command" in this context means a rule or instruction). What it Means – The Big Picture: This verse is about David's pride and his desire for absolute power. He was trying to control everything, even the divine plan. God had given him instructions, and David wanted to ignore them. It’s a warning against arrogance and demanding too much authority. Key Themes & Significance: God’s Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that God is in control of everything, even when people seem to be fighting against him. Submission to God's Will: It’s a reminder that we should always listen to and obey God’s instructions. David was trying to defy God – and this verse shows the consequences of that defiance. Pride & Hubris: It speaks to the dangers of excessive pride or thinking you know better than God. In short, it's a story about David's ambition and his challenge to God's authority. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific element like the word "meddling" or its connection to the larger narrative? Or would you like me to provide some context for the time period it was written in?