Definition: And Elisha said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story of Elijah and Elisha. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about recognizing God’s power and importance, even when things seem chaotic or dangerous. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Elisha said…” : This tells us we’re talking about Elijah, a prophet who was facing a difficult situation. “…As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand…” : This is where it gets interesting. “The LORD of hosts” refers to God – the ultimate God and creator of everything. Elijah was standing in a very dangerous place – a massive fire that threatened to destroy Jerusalem! “Surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah…” : This is the key part. Elisha wasn't just standing there because he was afraid. He recognized God’s power. He saw that God was really present and powerful. He specifically remembered the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, who was leading a group of people in prayer and faith. “I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.” : This is what Elisha was doing – he was not looking at Jehoshaphat or his army. He wasn’t focused on the threat; he was focused on God's presence and power. So, What Does It Mean? Basically, this verse emphasizes that God’s presence is so powerful that it can overcome even the most frightening situations. It highlights that we should always be aware of God’s strength and authority, even when things look bleak or dangerous. Why is this important? This passage is a reminder to: Trust in God: It encourages us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. Be mindful of God's presence: It prompts us to recognize His authority and strength, especially when facing challenges. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be saying about faith and courage?