Definition: And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:27. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I’m going to punish those who disobeyed me.” Let's unpack it a little further: “The LORD commanded the angel…” – This tells us that God directly instructed an angel (a messenger) to take action. It wasn't just someone else telling the angel, but God himself giving instructions. “…and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.” - This is the key part. "The sheath" refers to a sword, and “put up” means to place it in a position. The angel was instructed to place the sword back into its storage container – its sheath. What does this mean practically? In the Old Testament, Israel had been disobeying God for many years. They were wandering, they weren’t following his laws, and they weren't honoring him properly. God, in response to their disobedience, ordered an angel to strike down those who disobeyed him. This was a very serious and forceful command. It’s a symbolic representation of judgment. The angel’s action wasn’t just about physically hitting someone; it represented God’s complete authority and his righteous anger at the sins of the people. It was a clear demonstration that God's will is absolute. Important Context: This verse often appears in connection with the story of the division of the Israelite tribes after the death of King Saul. It’s a powerful illustration of God’s judgment and his commitment to justice, even when it seems harsh or devastating. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?