Definition: But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 22:31. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic part of the story of David and his time as King of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about protecting Israel from enemies. Specifically, it tells us that King David’s military advisors – hundreds of them – were instructed to only engage in battle with the king of Syria. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But the king of Syria…” : This refers to the ruler of the Syrian people – a powerful and often hostile nation at the time. “…command his thirty and two captains…” : David had a huge army, and these advisors were leading them. It’s like a very strong military force. “had rule over his chariots” : This is key. They weren't just soldiers; they controlled massive war machines – chariots that could move quickly and attack from many angles. “saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.” : This is the most important part. David was telling his advisors to avoid any battle against anyone who wasn’t the King of Israel. What does this mean practically? It meant that David prioritized protecting the people of Israel above all else. It’s a strong warning – he wouldn't tolerate enemies attacking him or his kingdom, even if it meant a large and costly war. Why was this important? Security: This verse highlights David's focus on securing Israel as his king. Leadership: It shows that David wasn’t just a powerful warrior but also a wise leader who understood the importance of protecting his people from external threats. Divine Guidance: It suggests that God was watching over David and guiding him to take action against those who would harm Israel. In short, this verse is a command from God to protect the people of Israel – prioritizing their safety above all else. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail? Connect it to a specific event in David's life? Discuss its significance within biblical prophecy?