Definition: So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 14:12. It’s a pretty powerful statement about God’s power and protection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is directly intervening to stop a threat – the Ethiopians – before they could cause trouble for Israel. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So the LORD smote the Ethiopians…” - This tells us God used His power to directly attack and defeat the Ethiopians. “Smote” means to strike or punish severely. “…before Asa…” – This refers to King Asa, a powerful ruler of Israel during this time. He was leading the Israelites in battle. “…and before Judah…” - This tells us it happened before Judah, another significant kingdom in Israel. “And the Ethiopians fled.” - This is the key part. The Ethiopians, a people known for their wild and dangerous nature, were fleeing from the area God was attacking. What does this tell us about God’s plan? Divine Protection: It shows that God isn't just watching events; He actively protects His people from harm. God’s Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control and doesn’t allow evil to flourish without a direct response. Strategic Action: It suggests that God was strategically intervening to prevent a potential disaster – perhaps a large-scale invasion or a significant loss of life for Israel. In short, the verse describes God using His power to decisively stop a threat from reaching his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse (when and where did it happen)? Talk about its significance in biblical history?