Definition: And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 3:12. It's a really important and comforting passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of incredible hope and strength during a very difficult time. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Jehoshaphat said…” : This tells us that Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel, was leading a group of people – likely his soldiers and loyal followers – in prayer and worship. “…The word of the LORD is with him.” : This is the key part. It means that God himself was present with them. It wasn't just a feeling; it was a tangible presence! He was actively involved in guiding their actions. “So the king of Israel and the king of Edom went down to him.” : This is where the magic happens. The King of Edom, who had been enemies of Israel for a long time, suddenly joined them. They were offering their support and partnership. What does this tell us about the situation? It was a time of great crisis - a massive invasion by the Assyrian Empire (a powerful, brutal force). The Israelites were facing imminent destruction. God’s Protection: The verse emphasizes that God was with them, not just in their prayers. His presence gave them strength and hope to resist. Unity & Strength: By including Edom, Jehoshaphat and his people were demonstrating a united front against the enemy. It showed they weren't alone and had the support of God himself. Overall Meaning: This verse is a story about faith, trust in God, and the power of unity in times of great challenge. It highlights that even our enemies can be allies when we turn to God. In short, it’s a reminder that God is always with us, even in difficult situations. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the historical context of this passage? Discuss what this verse might mean for believers today?