Definition: And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:19. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about King Judah’s response to the Assyrian army’s invasion. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Assyrians Invade: The Assyrians, a powerful empire from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), were conquering the region surrounding Judah. King Judah is Targeted: King Judah, the king of Israel at the time, was specifically targeted and attacked by the Assyrian army. It’s a significant event because it marked the beginning of a long period of oppression and exile for his people. What Happened Next: Judah's Anger: After the Assyrians defeated Judah’s forces, Judah became incredibly angry. He was furious at the invaders and felt like they hadn't been dealt with harshly enough. The Command to Strike: The prophet Elijah (who is mentioned in the verse) tells Judah to strike the Assyrian army five or six times. This wasn’t just a simple punishment; it was a call for a truly brutal and devastating defeat. The Expectation of Destruction: Elijah also says that if Judah had struck Syria (the region to the east of Israel) with enough force, he would have completely destroyed it. He's setting a goal – to make Syria utterly desolate. What’s the Key Meaning? This verse is essentially a warning and a challenge from God. It highlights: God's Justice: God is showing His justice by punishing those who violate His laws and threaten His people. Divine Will: God has a specific plan for this conflict, and He’s giving Judah a clear instruction to respond with a forceful and complete defeat. A Test of Faith: The verse also suggests that Judah's anger is a test of his faith in God. It shows whether he will remain obedient to God's will or become consumed by vengeance. In short, the verse describes a moment where King Judah’s rage escalated to a demand for complete destruction, reflecting a significant turning point in history and a challenge to his people’s loyalty. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss the context of the story (how it relates to the larger narrative of the Bible)? Explore what it might mean for Judah's future?