Definition: And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:1. It’s a pretty serious statement about a significant event in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Satan, a powerful and malevolent being, actively working against God's people – specifically, David and Israel. He’s essentially trying to disrupt God’s plan for His nation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Satan stood up against Israel…” - This is the first part: Satan, who is often seen as an enemy of humanity, actively chooses to oppose and challenge God's chosen people – Israel. “…and provoked David to number Israel.” – This is the core of the verse. “Provoking” means guiding or influencing. David was a king, and this verse says Satan deliberately pushed him to make Israel a large group. It’s like a mischievous force trying to disrupt God's plans for his nation. "Number Israel" implies he was trying to create a strong, unified kingdom under his influence. What does it mean in a broader sense? This is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the downfall of Israel and the rise of wickedness. It suggests that Satan wasn’t just passively opposing; he was actively working against God's will for the nation. It’s a warning about the potential for evil to influence events. Important Note: This verse is often considered one of the earliest examples of Satan being identified as an active participant in conflict and opposition. It's a powerful image that highlights a struggle between good and evil. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context surrounding this verse? Discuss what it might symbolize (like temptation or rebellion)? Compare it to other stories involving Satan?

Definition: Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three [things]: choose thee one of them, that I may do [it] unto thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:10. It's a really interesting and significant passage about God’s relationship with David. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God wants to specifically choose one of David’s sons – specifically, David himself – for a very important purpose. It's a bit like saying, "Hey David, I have a plan for you." Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Go and tell David…” : This tells us that the message is coming from God. He’s sending this instruction to David. “…saying, Thus saith the LORD…” : This means God is speaking directly to David, and we know it's not just a casual conversation. It’s a significant declaration. “I offer thee three [things]…” : This part is crucial. God isn’t giving David a choice – He’s offering three specific things. It’s like saying, “Here are three ways I want to use you.” These three things are not immediately clear from the text, but it's understood that they are important. “…choose thee one of them, that I may do [it] unto thee” : This is the most important part. God wants to actively choose David to do something. “That I may do…” means He has a specific task for him. It implies this choice isn’t just a casual favor; it's a deliberate action, a purpose he's setting for David. What does this mean practically? The verse speaks to a pivotal moment in the story of David and his lineage. It suggests God is establishing a specific role for David within His plan for Israel. It’s a sign that God has a larger scheme in mind, and He's placing David at the heart of it. Context & Significance: This verse is found in a section of the book of Chronicles which tells us about David's lineage and the events leading up to his time as king. It’s often seen as a key moment in God's plan for Israel, highlighting His sovereignty and control over history. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of David’s life? Explore why this verse is considered important in biblical interpretation?

Definition: So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about divine guidance and choosing. It’s essentially saying that God has chosen David to be king of Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So Gad came to David…” : "Gad" is a Hebrew name, and in this context, it refers to a specific person – likely a spiritual leader or advisor who was very close to David. “…and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee” : This is the core of the verse. “Thus saith the LORD” means "God says" or “The Lord speaks.” It's a direct message from God. It’s telling David that He is being chosen. What does it mean in practical terms? Divine Providence: This verse highlights the idea of divine providence – that God has a plan for things and actively works in our lives. God isn't just passively allowing events to happen; He’s guiding them. Trust in God: It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s will, even when we don't understand it completely. It's a reminder that God has a purpose for us and that He’s working behind the scenes. Context is Important (Briefly) This verse appears in the Book of Chronicles, which tells the story of David's rise to kingship. It’s part of a larger narrative about God's relationship with Israel and David's role as their leader. In short, this verse isn't just saying "David is king." It's saying that God has chosen him and that He’s guiding his path. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the phrase “Thus saith the LORD”? Discuss the context of 1 Chronicles 21? Talk about how this passage connects to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty dramatic and intense verse from 1 Chronicles, and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about facing a terrifying and overwhelming threat – the destruction of Israel by its enemies. It's a warning from God to the King (and potentially all Israelites) to be prepared for something incredibly bad. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “1 Chronicles 21:12” : This is the verse itself, coming from the book of Chronicles in the Bible. It's a significant passage. “Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes…” : This suggests a severe drought and hardship is about to come. “’” means “or.” This part says that there could be either a long period of starvation (a famine) or a rapid, devastating attack by enemies. “…while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]…” : This is where it gets really intense. "Overtake" means to overtake or surpass. The enemy is moving quickly and aggressively – they’re rapidly gaining ground. “The sword of thine enemies” refers to the Israelites being attacked by their foes. “…or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land…” : This is a really striking image. It says that for three days , the power of God (represented by the Lord) will be unleashed – specifically through a plague or disease (the “pestilence”) - causing widespread devastation and death. “And the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel.” : This is a powerful phrase, "the angel of the LORD." It’s a direct reference to God’s mighty power and judgment. “Destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel” means that this destruction will be felt across the entire land. “Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.” : This is a plea from God, asking for wisdom and guidance. It’s essentially saying, "Help me understand what message you want to deliver to me." Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a time when the Israelites are facing an almost impossible challenge. They're vulnerable because their enemies are rapidly advancing and causing immense suffering. God is warning them that they need to be ready for this threat, not just with preparation but also with understanding and faith. It’s a call to repentance, urging them to focus on God's protection and seek His guidance amidst this crisis. Why is it important? This passage highlights several key themes: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control of events, even when they seem chaotic. The Power of God: He is capable of immense destruction and restoration. Preparedness and Faith: It emphasizes the importance of being ready to defend oneself against danger, but also relying on God's protection. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Perhaps we could talk about: The meaning of “pestilence”? What does "the angel of the LORD" represent?

Definition: And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great [are] his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:13. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about David’s situation and how he felt about God’s mercy. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: David was feeling incredibly overwhelmed and worried. He felt like he was in a difficult, narrow place – a “great strait.” He wasn't sure what the future held, and he was afraid of falling into something bad or undesirable. However, he recognized that God’s mercy is so great that it’s worth embracing. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And David said unto Gad…” : This tells us we're talking about David speaking to his son Gad. “…I am in a great strait:” David was facing a challenge or difficulty that felt very confining and limiting. “Strait” means a narrow path, a restricted area – it suggests a difficult situation. “let me fall now into the hand of the LORD…” : He wasn’t looking for a comfortable or easy solution. He wanted to surrender completely to God's mercy. He was asking for a place where he could be completely and unconditionally cared for. “…for very great are his mercies:” This is the key part. “Mercy” means compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and help. David recognized that God’s mercy was extraordinarily large – incredibly generous. “but let me not fall into the hand of man.” : This is a crucial phrase. It's a warning! He wasn't asking for a passive acceptance of his situation. Instead, he wanted to resist being controlled or manipulated by anyone – including human judgment or their own desires. Overall Meaning: David was expressing a deep humility and recognizing that God’s love is so profound that it's worth resisting any attempt to control or limit him. He was seeking refuge in God’s mercy, rather than seeking to be controlled by anything else. It speaks to the importance of trusting God even when things are difficult. Why is this important? This verse is a powerful reminder of: God's Unconditional Love: It emphasizes that God loves us completely, regardless of our mistakes or circumstances. Resisting Temptation: It’s a call to stay true to your faith and resist being swayed by negative influences. Seeking Guidance: It encourages us to turn to God for strength and direction when we're facing challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss the historical context of this passage?

Definition: So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:14. It's a really serious and impactful passage about God’s judgment on his people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means God sent a terrible plague – a sickness – upon Israel. Let’s unpack that: “So the LORD sent pestilence…” This is a strong way of saying “God punished” or “He dealt with” something bad. “Pestilence” was a term used in ancient times to describe a widespread and deadly disease. “…upon Israel…” This tells us who was affected – the entire nation of Israel. It wasn’t just a few people; it was everyone . “and there fell of Israel…” This is a bit dramatic, but it means that many people in Israel died as a result of this plague. "Fell" means to fall or be lost. Now, the number 70,000… That’s a huge figure! This number is often cited as a significant detail because it represents a massive loss of life for the entire nation. It’s a stark reminder that God’s judgment can have devastating consequences. Why was this happening? The Bible doesn't give us a specific reason why this plague occurred. However, it suggests it was a consequence of Israel’s disobedience and lack of reverence to God. It was a punishment for their sins, and God was showing his displeasure with them. In short, it’s a story about God’s wrath against a nation that had strayed from him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Talk about the significance of the plague in the Bible as a whole?

Definition: And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 21:15. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse in the Old Testament, and it speaks about God’s judgment and a divine plan. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: A Siege is Coming: The verse describes a large, intense siege (a long-term attack) being launched against Jerusalem by the Jebusites – a group of people who were attacking the city. God Sees and Reacts: God sees this siege and is profoundly upset. He's not just passively watching; He’s actively intervening. The Angel's Role: An angel (a messenger from God) appears to destroy the city. This happens as the attack intensifies. God’s Judgment & Repentance: As the angel is destroying, God watches and sees that the angel is still acting in a way that’s wrong. He realizes the angel is doing something terrible and unjust. So, God immediately stops the angel's actions. The Angel’s Command: God then tells the angel to stop his destructive work. He says, "It is enough, stay now thine hand." This is a crucial part – the angel must stop. What Does It Mean? This verse is about God's justice and His plan for the land. Here’s what it suggests: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control of everything, even when He seems to be letting things happen. Divine Justice: God is punishing evil and injustice. The Jebusites were acting unjustly – attacking a city that was already peaceful. The Angel's Role as a Tool: The angel is a tool of God’s judgment. It’s not about the angel being inherently bad; it’s about his actions being wrong. Symbolic Meaning (A bit deeper) Some people interpret this verse symbolically: The Siege Represents Sin: The siege itself represents sin and rebellion against God's will. The Angel is a Messenger of God: The angel acts as a messenger, bringing God’s judgment. Stopping the Angel = Stopping the Evil: It signifies that God ultimately triumphs over evil through His righteous actions. In short, this verse describes a moment where God directly intervenes to stop a destructive act and then, with a sense of justice, begins to work towards repairing what was broken. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like: A deeper look at the symbolism? A breakdown of the key phrases?

Definition: And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 21:16 together. It's a really significant and dramatic moment in the book of Scripture! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very special encounter between God and David. It’s happening right before the Israelites begin to leave Jerusalem after a long siege. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And David lifted up his eyes…” - This is the starting point – David is looking upwards, focused on something above. “…and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven…” - This is a classic image in biblical stories. The “angel of the Lord” isn’t just some random person; it's God himself! He’s positioned as a powerful, divine figure separating the world we live in from the spiritual realm – the "earth" and "heaven." It’s like a boundary or a veil. “…having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem.” - This is the most striking part. The angel of the Lord isn't just standing there; he’s holding a sword! This sword represents God’s power and judgment, and it's being extended over the city of Jerusalem – which was about to be attacked. It’s a symbol of impending doom and divine wrath. “Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth…” - The elders of Israel, usually leaders and officials, are now wrapped in sackcloth . Sackcloth is a very simple, dark cloth – it represents shame, grief, and surrender. They’re covering themselves as a sign of deep sorrow and recognizing the seriousness of what's happening. So, what’s the overall message? This verse paints a picture of a pivotal moment: God is showing Himself powerfully. He’s not just looking down; He's actively intervening in the world, displaying his authority and power. It’s a sign that God is about to deliver judgment upon those who have disobeyed him. Why is this important? This passage is considered one of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament, setting the stage for the Israelites' departure from Jerusalem. It highlights: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control and actively involved in events. Judgment and Consequences: This event foreshadows God’s judgment on those who reject him. Preparedness: The elders’ sackcloth emphasizes that they are aware of the coming storm and are anticipating it. In short, this verse captures a moment of intense divine presence and impending action – a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this passage to a specific story or theme in the Bible?

Definition: And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:17. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about David’s conscience and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was a king who had committed some serious sins – he tricked people, lied to them, and even murdered someone. He felt terrible about it and desperately pleaded with God to forgive him and protect his family. What’s Happening in the Verse: “And David said unto God…” : This is David acknowledging that he was responsible for these sins. It's a direct admission of guilt. “…[Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered?” : This is the core of the problem. David says he told people to count them – meaning, he ordered them to be counted. This suggests he was involved in manipulating or misleading people. “even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed” : He’s admitting to a significant number of sins, including terrible ones. “Sin” here means breaking God's rules and doing wrong. It wasn’t just small mistakes; this was serious wrongdoing. “but [as for] these sheep, what have they done?” : This is where it gets more pointed. David asks a crucial question: "What has these sheep done?" He’s referring to the people he tricked and misled. He’s essentially asking, “What did these sheep do wrong?” “let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.” : This is the most important part. David is pleading with God to protect his family – specifically, his son, Jonathan – from suffering because of his sins. He doesn't want his family to be punished. He asks God to keep him safe and prevent any harm to them. What Does it Mean? This verse speaks about the seriousness of David’s actions and the gravity of his responsibility. It highlights a crucial point: we are all accountable for our choices. Even though we don’t always feel like we are, we are responsible for what we do. This passage shows that David's actions had consequences, and he desperately sought God’s forgiveness and protection. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that: Guilt can be heavy: David’s admission of wrongdoing demonstrates the power of guilt and its potential to affect us. Responsibility matters: We all have a responsibility to live righteously and avoid causing harm. God's protection is possible: Even when we make mistakes, God offers forgiveness and care for those he loves. In short, this verse speaks about David’s remorse and his plea for divine protection – a foundational moment in understanding the relationship between humanity and God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you another scripture passage to compare this one to?

Definition: Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:18. It’s a really important moment in God’s plan for Israel! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is telling David to build an altar (a special place to worship) dedicated to the LORD. Let’s unpack that a little further: “The angel of the LORD”: This refers to one of God's messengers – often seen as a divine guide. “Commanded Gad”: Gad was a young man, likely David’s uncle, and he was tasked with this instruction. “To say to David…”: This is the crucial part! He’s giving David a specific command. “…that David should go up…” This means David needed to travel to a specific location – Ornan the Jebusite – to build this altar. “…and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of… ”: “Threshingfloor” is a field where wheat was harvested. So, this altar would be built in that field. It’s a place of worship dedicated to God. Why is this significant? This verse is a key part of the story of David's rise to power and his eventual dedication to God. It shows: God’s Sovereignty: God is actively involved in guiding events, even when it seems like David might be struggling with his own choices. David’s Purpose: This action establishes David as a dedicated servant of the LORD and highlights his commitment to worship. A Shift in Focus: It's a step towards a more formal and significant relationship between God and David, moving him away from purely human-centered pursuits to one of worship. In short, it’s about God establishing a place for worship and directing David to dedicate himself to the LORD. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain another Bible passage?