Definition: Thou sayest, (but [they are but] vain words,) [I have] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 18:20. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s perspective and a potential conflict. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “Thou sayest, but [they are but] vain words; I have counsel and strength for the war.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou sayest…” : This is God speaking directly to someone – likely a king or leader. It's a direct address. “…but [they are but] vain words” : This is the crucial part. "Vain words" means empty, meaningless, and ultimately pointless. It’s suggesting that this person’s request or argument isn't serious or grounded in truth. They're talking about something that doesn’t hold real value. “I have counsel and strength for the war” : This is a statement of God’s power and guidance. God does have wisdom and the ability to defend his people, and he’s offering this as reassurance. Now, here's the core meaning – it’s about trust: The verse is essentially asking: "Are you trusting in what you say? Are you relying on your own ideas and plans, or are you trusting in God?" It’s a warning to someone who is being boastful, demanding, or acting recklessly. What's the bigger picture? This verse appears in the Book of Kings, particularly during a time when Israel was facing a devastating invasion by the Assyrian army (2 Kings 18:17-19). God’s anger is rising because people were refusing to obey his commands. This verse illustrates God's perspective – he sees disobedience and defiance as dangerous and will not tolerate it. In essence, the verse is a call for humility and reliance on God's guidance. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t build our own solutions or rely solely on our own strength when facing challenges - we need to trust in God’s plan and wisdom. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text within religious traditions. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?