Definition: And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 12:12. It’s a really important passage about how we are to treat God and our family members, especially concerning the future of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that we should be joyful and grateful before God, and particularly with our sons and daughters. It's a call for a special kind of attitude – one of reverence and appreciation. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And ye shall rejoice…” : This isn’t just any kind of happiness. It’s a joyful blessing , a feeling of thankfulness and adoration. “…before the LORD your God…” : This is a direct address to God – we're turning our attention to Him. “…ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates” : This is where it gets more specific. It’s talking about everyone in your family – including your servants and women. “Forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.” : This is the crucial part. It means that God wants us to treat everyone we're connected to with a certain level of respect and not take anything from them without offering something in return. It’s saying, “Don't be greedy or take advantage of our family." What does this mean practically? This verse is warning against: Favoritism: Don’t treat your family members differently than others. Greed: Don’t hoard resources or take more than you need. Taking Advantage: Don't exploit our relationships for personal gain. Ungratefulness: Show appreciation and gratitude to God and those around you. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse is a reminder that we are part of something larger – God’s plan for Israel. It’s a call to live a life of reverence and responsibility, recognizing that we are chosen by God and have a duty to honor Him and our family. It's about living a life that reflects the blessings God has given us. In short: Deuteronomy 12:12 urges us to be thankful and respectful towards our families, especially those within our gates (meaning our immediate family members). It’s a reminder of our connection to God and our responsibility as His chosen people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to show gratitude?