Definition: And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:16. It's a really significant and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse comes about after a terrible event – God sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem. This angel is incredibly powerful, and he’s determined to obliterate the city. But then, God intervenes. He repents (turns away from his evil plan) and tells the angel to stop. What's Happening: The angel of the LORD – a very important figure in Jewish tradition – is watching over Araunah the Jebusite, a man who’s building a massive wall around a hidden valley. He’s essentially being held back by this wall. God says, “It is enough; stay now your hand.” Basically, the angel is told to stop his destructive work. What's Important: God’s Intervention: This verse emphasizes that God always intervenes when things go wrong. He doesn't just passively let events happen; he actively works to prevent disaster. The Angel’s Position: The angel is positioned as a watcher, or observer, of Araunah’s wall. It suggests a level of control and protection. Key Takeaway: This verse highlights God's sovereignty – his absolute authority over all events. He’s not just passively allowing things to happen; he actively stops them when necessary. It also shows that even a powerful angel can be guided by God’s will. In simpler terms, it says: “God is watching and stopping evil before it starts.” --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?