Definition: Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 23:4. It's a really important passage about fairness and justice. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: The People Were Difficult: The people who were being addressed – the Israelites – had been living in a difficult situation for a long time. They were exiled from their land, and they weren't always helpful to each other. Balaam Was Asked to Curse You: A prophet named Balaam was sent to the Israelites. His job was to curse people who were offending them. But, he was asked by the king of Mesopotamia (a region far away) to specifically curse the Israelites. What’s Happening in the Verse – It's a Bit Complicated: This verse is saying that the people Balaam was sent to weren’t being fair or kind to him. They were treating him poorly, and he was being asked to do something unjust. “Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way…” – This means the people didn't treat him with respect or kindness. They weren't offering him help or comfort. They weren’t showing him a good example of how to be fair. “…when ye came forth out of Egypt…” – This is a crucial part. It refers back to the Israelites’ long and difficult journey out of slavery in Egypt. They had overcome so much hardship, and they were now being treated as if they weren't worthy of kindness or consideration. "...and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia…” – This is the key part that highlights the injustice. The people who were bothering Balaam (the Mesopotamians) had actively helped him to curse them. They were trying to make his job difficult and unpleasant! The Moral of the Story: This verse is a reminder that we should always treat others with respect and fairness. It’s about recognizing that people are valuable, and we shouldn't be cruel or unjust to them. It emphasizes the importance of being kind and considerate of everyone, even when it’s difficult. In short, this verse is saying that the people who were bothering Balaam acted unfairly, and we should not treat them with disrespect. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or want me to explain anything in more detail? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a simpler explanation of the concept of "justice"?