Definition: And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 13:17. It’s a really significant and dramatic verse in the Bible, and it speaks about a massive victory for God’s people. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: The Enemy: The verse tells us that the Moabites (a group of people living in southwestern Israel) were being led by a powerful king named Abijah. They were a significant force, and they were facing a large army. A Huge Battle: God decided to decisively defeat them. He commanded his people to attack with a “great slaughter.” This wasn’t just a skirmish; it was a massive, overwhelming battle. The Result: A Massive Loss “Five hundred thousand chosen men” is the key part. "Chosen men" refers to Israelite soldiers – those who were specifically chosen and trusted by God for a specific purpose. So, this verse means they lost more than half of their entire army in one battle! What Does It Mean? This verse is a powerful example of God’s power and His protection over his people. It highlights several things: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events, even against seemingly strong enemies. He chooses to intervene and ultimately prevail. Divine Protection: It emphasizes that God’s people are protected by Him, and that He will always defend them. A Significant Victory: The fact that they lost so many men speaks volumes about the strength of God's army and the devastating impact of his victory. Important Note: The exact details of this battle are debated among historians and scholars. However, it’s generally understood to have occurred during a time of intense conflict in ancient Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when did it happen, why was it significant)? Talk about the symbolism behind this story?